04 Jan Signing of Peace deal with ULFA
This article covers ‘ Daily Current Affairs ’ and the content details of ‘‘ Signing of peace pact by Central government, Assam government with ULFA faction’’. This content is applicable in the “ Internal Security” section of the UPSC CSE Exam.
UPSC MAINS SYLLABUS GS-3 PAPER : Role of non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security
Why in the News?
On December 29, 2023, the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) pro-talks faction signed a tripartite peace agreement with the Central government and the state government of Assam. Several provisions present in the memorandum of settlement are in support of protecting indigenous groups’ political and land rights which will also help in the development of the State. But, the Paresh Baruah-led anti-talks faction has not yet signed a peace agreement.
Important features of the signed peace agreement –
- Representatives of ULFA have pledged –
1)to abstain from violence
2) surrender their weapons
3)take part in the democratic process
4) to protect the integrity and sovereignty of India. - The government has pledged the investment of approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore in the upcoming years for the development of Assam.
- The Assamese Assembly has 126 seats; now 97 of those seats will be allocated for indigenous people.Delimitation process in future will follow this idea.
- The Indian government’s Ministry of Home Affairs will make a time-bound plan to address ULFA’s demands, and a dedicated committee will be established to oversee it.
About ULFA –
- The United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) is a separatist militant organization founded in 1979 in Assam, a northeastern state of India.It originated from the anti-immigrant All Assam Students Union movement (AASU)
- ULFA was first established to address the perceived political and socio economic problems of the Assamese people. However, over time, the organization evolved to demand that Assam become a sovereign state independent of Indian authority.
- ULFA launched a violent insurgency against politicians, security personnel, and civilians in the 1980s and 1990s. Due to the group’s actions, there was instability in the area.
- Government Reaction: To combat the increasing violence, the Centre started ‘’Operation Bajrang’’ in 1990, which resulted in the arrests of over 1,200 ULFA rebels. President’s rule was imposed and implementation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) took place.
Reasons behind the rise of ULFA and the insurgency in Assam
- Ethnic and Cultural Identity : Assam is home to a number of different ethnic communities, and there have always been conflicts between the native ethnic groups/tribes in the region for a long time.
- India’s Partition and Bangladesh Liberation War : The 1947 Partition of India and resulting flood of refugees from then East Pakistan into Assam increased the feeling of worry. In addition, a number of Bangladeshi citizens migrated to India after the 1971 conflict.
- Economic Discrimination: Region’s underdevelopment and economic imbalances worsened the situation. There is a perception that Delhi is exploiting the resources of North East with developing the seven sisters. Youth dissatisfaction has been further increased by inadequate infrastructure, education, and employment possibilities, hence making them vulnerable to join insurgent organizations.
- External Support : ISI of Pakistan had supported the ULFA militants by providing them with training, weapons and money. ISI trained them in terrorist tactics, counter intelligence, disinformation and weapon’s use.
- Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA): The presence of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which grants special powers to the armed forces in conflict areas, has been a source of controversy. Critics argue that it has led to human rights abuses and further alienated the local population.
Importance of Peace Agreement
- Ensuring peace in Assam : More than 10 thousand people have been killed from both sides since the beginning of ULFA conflict.
- Surrender of Cadres : Over 9000 cadres have surrendered in Assam alone and over 85% of Assam has been lifted out of AFSPA.
- Economic Development : ₹1.5 lakh crore investment had been pledged by the government in the peace accord for the development of Assam.
- Strengthening India’s sovereignty : ULFA has decided to recognize the supremacy of the Indian Constitution and to work for the integrity of the nation.
Challenges still persisting after Peace agreement
- ULFA-I missing : ULFA-I led by Paresh Baruah, has not signed the peace agreement, which means violence will still exist in the state of Assam.
- Existing foreign links : ULFA had links with ISI of Pakistan, other insurgent outfits in the northeast and with many Islamic terror outfits like Harkat-ul-Jihad-e-Islami, and Al-Qaeda. It still has launchpads for cross border operations
- Slow Implementation: Because of the logistical, political, and social complications involved, it is hard to bring agreed-upon terms into action.
- Historical grievances : Deeply ingrained historical grievances about the identity, autonomy, land rights, and socio economic inequality are the main cause of insurgencies in the Northeast. So, saying that a peace agreement will fully address all of these problems is hard.
Way forward
- Peace agreement with ULFA-I : Signing the peace deal with ULFA-I is necessary to fetch the fruits of peace deal.
- Monitoring the peace agreement’s implementation and ensuring the timely implementation of projects without corruption
- Facilitating integration of former ULFA’S members in the mainstream society after their vocational training.
Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 04th Jan 2024
Prelims Question
Q1) ________ is one of the traditional Assamese dances characterized by its rhythmic footwork, hand movements, and vibrant costumes?
a) Sattriya
b) Bihu
c) Kathakali
d) Odissi
Answer: a) Sattriya
Q2) The ancient temple Kamakhya, situated in Guwahati, is dedicated to which Hindu goddess?
Lakshmi b) Durga
c) Kali d) Saraswati
Answer: b) Durga
Mains Question
Q) What is the reason behind the existence of insurgency in the northeast even after developmental efforts by the government? What are the steps taken by the government in attenuating this insurgency?
I am a content developer and have done my Post Graduation in Political Science. I have given 2 UPSC mains, 1 IB ACIO interview and have cleared UGC NET JRF too.
No Comments