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Assam Govt and Indian Govt sign peace Pact with ULFA (All Provisions) - Assam/Northeast Polity Notes

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Recently, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Assam government and the pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) signed a memorandum of settlement (MoU). The agreement was signed with the pro-talks faction of ULFA under Arabinda Rajkhowa while the other faction led by Paresh Baruah (known as ULFA-I) has not joined the peace process.

Major provisions in the ULFA Peace Accord

1. Development Measures- The peace agreement encompasses a comprehensive package for the all-round development of Assam. It includes provisions for various developmental projects and a commitment to resolving long-standing issues. The government has pledged investment of ₹1.5 lakh crore, staggered through the years.
2. Political Inclusion- The agreement addresses the issue of political insecurity among indigenous people, reserving 97 out of 126 seats for them in the recent delimitation exercise. It ensures the continuation of this principle in future delimitation processes, aiming to address political insecurities.
3. Non-Violence- ULFA has agreed to renounce violence, disarm, disband the armed organization, vacate their occupied camps, and participate in the peaceful democratic process established by law. This commitment aims to ensure the integrity of the country and marks a shift towards non-violent engagement.
4. A time-bound program will be made by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to fulfil the demands of ULFA and a committee will also be formed for its monitoring.
5. Govt. of India and the Govt. of Assam remain committed to protect the interests of the indigenous communities, ULFA agreed to shun the path of violence, join the peaceful democratic process as established by the law of the land, and uphold the integrity of the country. 

Political Demands

1. The Govt. of India agrees to maintain the territorial integrity of the State of Assam. However, the Govt. of India and the Govt. of Assam are committed to amicably resolve boundary disputes of Assam with neighbouring States.
2. The Govt. of India will consider recommending to the Election Commission of India to follow, as far as possible, the broad guidelines and methodology, which was adopted for the delimitation exercise held in Assam in 2023, in future delimitations as well. Some of these parameters used in the exercise are rate of growth of population, density of population, principles of historicity of areas and communities, geographical continuity, physical features, facilities of communication and public convenience. 
3. Effective measures will be taken to prevent enrolment of illegal migrants in the voter lists. All precautions will be taken to ensure thorough scrutiny of new voters at the time of revision of electoral rolls. The verification exercise should be carried out under the direct supervision of the District Electorar Registration Officer.
4. ST Status for Communities: The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2019 has been introduced by the Govt. of India in the Rajya Sabha to include certain communities in the list of the STs in relation to the State of Assam. The Govt. of Assam has constituted a Committee of Group of Ministers (CGoM) to examine and suggest on the different aspects of reservation of six communities in the State. The Govt. of India and the Govt. of Assam will make efforts to expedite the process after signing of the MoS.
5. Reservation in Education/Employment: The Govt. of Assam agrees to consider initiating measures to divide OBCs/MOBCs into separate categories and specify quantum of reservation for each category for the purpose of reservation in educational institutions and employment under the State Govt. The State Govt. has already constituted the Assam Backward Classes Commission in April 2022 under the Assam Backward Classes Commission Act, 1993 towards this objective.
6. NRC/Illegal Immigration: Foreigners detected after preparation of the corrected and error-free NRC shall be dealt with as per the law of the land. Effective measures, including use of latest state of the art technologies, will continue to be taken jointly by the Govt. of India and the Govt. of Assam to secure international borders to prevent fresh illegal influx into the country.
7. Land/Forest: For efficient management of land resources, the Govt. of Assam will take steps to digitalise all land holdings, preferably within 3 years of signing of the MoS. The Govt. of Assam will take necessary steps to prevent shrinkage/decrease of prime agricultural land. No agricultural land will ordinarily be allotted or settled for any other purpose except when the State Govt. is of the view that the intended purpose is in public interest such as establishment of industry for employment generation, construction of public institution/office, hospital, dispensary, etc.
8. Tea Gardens: The Govt. of Assam will consider constituting a Committee under the Chairmanship of a Cabinet Minister to examine the issue of sick tea gardens and recommend steps as to how to revive them. The Committee will also study various issues relating to welfare of the tea garden workers and recommend appropriate measures to address their grievances, in consultation with all stakeholders including the plantation owners. Persons belonging to Tea and Ex-Tea garden community will be given preference in allotment of land acquired from Tea Estate under the Assam Fixation of Ceiling on Land Holdings Act, 1956, as amended from time to time. 
   Efforts will be made by the Govt. of India to re-locate the Office of Tea Board of India from Kolkata to a suitable location in Assam.
9. The Govt. of India may consider facilitating acquisition of land at Delhi and provide financial assistance for constructionn of a Community Centre, which will inculcate the spirit of Srimanta Sankardev and Lachit Borpukhan, at the national level.
10. The Govt. of India may consider setting up a Visual Art University in Assam to promote film production, performing arts, animation etc.
11. The Govt. of India may consider establishing a Regional Centre of Lalit Kala Academy for the North East in Assam.
12. Govt. of Assam will set up an Archaeology Research Centre at Tezpur.
13. An Ethnic Museum will be set up by the Govt. of Assam in Dhemaji, which was the second capital of Ahom kingdom (Dhemaji Habung).
14. A heritage centre will be set up by the Govt. of Assam at Jamugurihat (Sonitpur district) for preserving the “Bhaona Culture”.
15. Cultural Academy and Research Centres will be set up by the Govt. of Assam in erstwhile Lakhimpur, Darrang, Goalpara (to be named after Pratima Pandey Baruah), Kamrup, Sivasagar, Cachar and Nagaon districts, which are known for their rich cultural tradition since pre-Independence days.
16. The Govt. of India will take up a number of developmental projects in Assam in the next few years covering core infrastructure sectors such as Road Transport & Highways, Railways, Flood and Soil Erosion, Petroleum & Natural Gas, MSME, Textiles, MEITY, etc. A list of identified projects is at Annexure — I. 10.2 The Govt. of Assam will also take up a number of developmental projects in the State in the next few years covering various sectors such as Energy, Petroleum & Natural Gas, Roads & Bridges, Floods and Soil Erosion, Wetland Development, Education, Cottage Industry and Delivery of services to improve ease of living. A list of identified projects is at Annexure — II.
17. Special Development Package: A Special Development Package of Rs. 5000 Crores will be provided over a period of five years with matching contributiorf by the Govt. of India and the Govt. of Assam for various developmental initiatives in the State.

ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS 

A. ROAD

1. Highway from Diphu to West Karbi Anglong via Hamren 

2. 4-lane Gauripur Bypass from Dumardohan to Baladmara via Khudimari, Fulkumari, Charaldanga, Sajuarkuti, Geramari 

3. Two lane road from Majuli to Jorhat on NH-715K 

4. Stage strengthening of NH-127C from Samthaibari to Dadgiri 

5. New Bridge over River Gai on NH-15 

6. River Training Work for New 2-Lane Major Bridge between Majuli and Jorhat

7. Construction & up-gradation of NH-127C from Samthaibari to Galengphu (Indo-Bhutan Border) 

8. Widening of NH-329

 9. Tamenglong – Mahur Road from Jiri River to Hangrum 

10. 4-Laning of Bilasipara-Tulungia and Silchar-Jiribam 

11. 4-Laning of Silchar ISBT of NH-37 and NH-6 

12. 4-Laning of NH-37/NH-8 near Sutarkandi (Spur Connectivity to Indo/Bangladesh Border) and proposed Nilam bazar/ Cheragi Bypass on Silchar-Churaibari 

13. 4-Laning of NH-8 (proposed Nilambazar/Cheragi Bypass near Chandkhira Village and near Churaibari Village (Assam/Tripura Border) on Silchar-Churaibari 

14. 4-Laning of Malidor-Ratachera-Kalain-Badarpur 

15. 4-Laning of Silchar-Jiribam 

16. Construction of new highway from NH-37 near Pailapool to NH-137 connecting Jaipur, Harinagar, Kumarcherra, Zinam, Hagrum (Mahur-Tamenglomg Road) 

17. (a) 4-Lane Approach road from Numaligarh side to Brahmaputra Tunnel on South Bank

 (b) 4-Laning of Brahmaputra Tunnel Connectivity across River Brahmaputra between Gohpur (on NH-15) and Numaligarh (on NH71) 

(c) 4-Laning of Approach road from End of Brahmaputra River Tunnel to Gohpur side on North Bank 

18. Guwahati Ring Road including Brahmaputra Bridge 

19. Implementation of wild life friendly measures on Kaziranga National Park stretch of NH-715 Baihata to Sonapur section) and (Basistha to Jorabat section) on NH 37 

B. Railways 

20. World Class Station Building at Kamakhya Railway Station 

21. New Railway line Salona-Khumtai 

22. New Railway line Tezpur-Silghat 

23. Saraighat Bridge doubling 

24. Doubling of Kamakhya — New Guwahati — 3rd Line 

25. Doubling of Lumding – Tinsukia Jn – Dibrugarh railway line 

26. Multi-tracking of Azara- Tetelia 

27. Multitracking from Khandikar- Kendukona (Rangia By-pass) 

28. Chandranathpur — Agartala 

29. Agthori – Dekargaon (New line)

 30. New lines : Ledo – Jairampur- Kharsang; Gogamukh—Jorhat; Jowai-Khlieriat— Chandranathpur; Kokrajhar-Gelephu 

C. FLOOD AND SOIL EROSION 

31. Anti-erosion measures at different reaches of river Kushiyara 

32. Raising and strengthening of Dyke from Bahari to Baghbar

33. Anti-erosion measures at different reaches of river Garuphella

 34. Anti-erosion measures at different reaches of river Longa 

35. Protection of Majuli island from flood and erosion of river Brahmaputra 

36. Integrated Water Resources Management of Buridehing Basin 

37. Integrated flood and erosion management of Manas and Beki rivers in Baksa and Barpeta districts 

38. Integrated flood and river bank erosion manaaement works at Rohmoria 

39. Protection of Flood embankment along Kollong river from Raha to Jagi

 40. Construction of Dyke along right bank of river Kollong from Dhankhunda to Gobardhan hill and sluice gate at Dhepuijan, Ghoramarajaan and Kajolijan 

41. Protection of Kolbari and Lality area from the erosion of river Brahmaputra (Construction of three nos of spurs and a check dam) 

42. Protection of various villages from the erosion of river Aie 

43. Rejuvenation, bioremediation and conservation of Silsako Beel at Guwahati 

D. PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS 

44. Pipeline from Duliajan to Majuli 

45. Laying of pipeline from Narayanpur, Assam to Banderdewa & Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh 

46. Pipeline from Guwahati, Assam to Sandrup Jonkhar, Bhutan

 47. Pipelines from Silchar, Assam to Imphal, Manipur via Jiribam 

48. Pipeline from Baihata, Assam to Panikhaiti, Assam and from Sonapur, Assam to Tura & Mairang, Meghalaya. 

49. Capacity augmentation of Bongaigaon LPG Plant 

50. Laying of Guwahati-Silchar-Imphal Product Pipeline (GSIPL)

51. Bongaigaon Refinery Expansion 

52. Geleki Redevelopment Project 

53. Creation Of Captive Power Plant (CPP) at Geleki 

54. Creation of Surface Facilities and Redevelopment of Geleki Field 

55. Pipeline Network Project, Rudrasagar

56. Creation of Captive Power Plant (CPP) at Rudrasagar 

57. Pilot implementation of Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (CEOR) in Rudrasagar, Lakwa, Lakhmani 

E. MSME

58. Development of New Industrial Estate at Chenga, Bahari, District Barpeta

59. Setting up of a new industrial estate at 2, Dhemajibari, Biswanath Cherialx

60. Up-gradation of the Integrated Infrastructure Development Centre IIDC, Silapathar, District Dhemaji

61. Development of New Industrial Estate at Maizgram, District Karimganj

62. Up-gradation of the Integrated Infrastructure Development Centre, Titabor, Jorhat

63. Development of New Industrial Estate at Dighalichapari, District-Sonitpur

64. Infrastructure Development Facilities & Up-gradation in the existing Complex, Manja, Karbi Anglong, Assam.

F. TEXTILES

65. Eri and Muga Silk Development Project for creation of livelihood of forest communities

66. Integrated project for Eri Silk Industry

67. Project for empowering women from forest dependant communities in Soil to Silk value chain (Ava Creation – SPV)

G. MEITY

68. Research Centre for Nano-technology. 

Annexure-!!

List of Developmental Projects to be taken up by Govt. of Assam 

A. ENERGY

1. Development of 3000 MW Solar power projects in Assam

2. Increased Hydro-Power generation by expansion of KarbiLangpi Project with additional 50 MW

3. Develop Assam as a region hub by establishing 250 MW Battery Energy Storage.

4. Increased power supply in the State by exploiting green sources by developing 212 MW Solar Parks in the State

5. Development of anew 25 MW Namrup Solar Power Project 

6. Development of 20 MW Sonbeel Solar Power Project at Karimganj

B. PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS

 7. Increased oil and gas business in Assam in the midstream and downstream by expanding the capacity and diversification of NRL into 9 MMPTA

C. ROADS AND BRIDGES

8. Improved rural connectivity by construction of new and strengthening of Resilient Rural Bridges in the State 

9. Improvement of communication by taking up of Assam Bridge project connecting Palashbari

10. Special focus and investment for development of Roads in Hill Areas in Assam with suitable designs for Disaster Resilience

D. FLOODS AND SOIL EROSION

11. Protection of lives and livelihoods of people of Assam in flood affected areas by taking up Integrated River Basin Management Projects

12. Long term and sustainable development of Brahmaputra riverine areas by taking up projects like Climate Resilient Brahmaputra Integrated Flood and River Erosion Risk Management Programme

13. Climate Resilient Brahmaputra Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Project in: (a) Assam-Dibrugrh and Tinsukia Sub Project (Zone-A) (b) Assam-Morigaon Nagaon Tezpur Sub project (Zone-B) (c) Assam-Guwahati West P:G.P Sub project (Zone-C) (d) Assam-Barpeta Goalpara Dhubri sub project ( Zone D)

E. MISCELLANEOUS

14. Systemic transformation of Governance & Service Delivery in Assam to make it more pro-people and accountable by targeted investments

15. Focussed Investment to develop modern Urban Infrastructure and Urban Sector in Assam to promote Ease of Living

16. Develop and Implement time-bound program to cover all major towns of Assam with urban gas distribution to provide connections to all households in 5 years

F. WETLAND DEVELOPMENT

17. Eco-Conservation and Development of Assam Wetlands and Integrated Fisheries in a sustainable manner G. EDUCATION

18. Mission Mode and focused efforts and investments to support School education in Assam

H. COTTAGE INDUSTRY

19. Bell metal, Brass metal and charcoal depot based industries to be established in Sarthebari (Bajali District). State Govt. to look into the problems of easy availability of raw material to ensure survival of Bell based Assamese handicraft cottage industry. 

Annexure-III

Illustrative list of developmental projects to, be implemented underSpecial Development Packaqe,

A. EDUCATION

1. IIM at Guwahati subject to laid down govt. norms

2. School of Planning and Architecture subject to laid down govt. norms

3. Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) subject to laid down govt. norms

4. A University in the name of Su-Ka-Pha in Charaideo district subject to aid down govt. norms

5. Education Park at Guwahati to impart interacting, demonstrative and physical education to youth on physical science, life and social sciences.

6. Training School for imparting hands on training in Oil and Gas operations

B. RAILWAYS

7. North Eastern Frontier Railways to be re-constituted to cover only the States of North East Region subject to laid down norms of Railway Board.

8. Railway equipment manufacturing plant at Bongaigaon

C. FLOOD AND SOIL EROSION

Flood and erosion problem will be treated as a national priority

D. INDUSTRY

10. Food processing Industrial park in Malinibari of Silchar District.

11. Special Economic Zone at Daranga Mela area of IndoBhutan border (Baksa District).

12. !ndustrial area for value added production from Banana in Goalpara district

13. Industrial area for value added production from Pineapple in Karbi Anglong district

14. A bamboo-based industry in Barak Valley

E. TOURISM

15. Development of Kaziranga as a high-end national level tourist attraction centre with various entertainment amenities, Botanical and Floral Garden, Orchid Centre, Eco Forest Museum and opportunities to showcase local culture, craft, cottage industry, etc.

16. Tea Museum at Dibrugarh

17. Development of tourist spots at .Rangghar, Talatalghar, Karengghar, Khaspur ruins, Brahmaputra waterfront at Guwahati, battlefield of Saraighat war and Bogeebil.

18. Development of water sports activities at Bogeebil (Dibrugarh District).

E. TOURISM

15. Development of Kaziranga as a high-end national level tourist attraction centre with various entertainment amenities, Botanical and Floral Garden, Orchid Centre, Eco Forest Museum and opportunities to showcase local culture, craft, cottage industry, etc.

16. Tea Museum at Dibrugarh

17. Development of tourist spots at . Rangghar, Talatalghar, Karengghar, Khaspur ruins, Brahmaputra waterfront at Guwahati, battlefield of Saraighat war and Bogeebil.

18. Development of water sports activities at Bogeebil (Dibrugarh District).

F. SPORTS

19. A multi-facility sports complex with Centre of Excellence in Volleyball at Nalbari

20. Centre of Excellence for Foot+oail in Dibrugarh and Baksa districts

21. Multi-purpose sports complex at Darrang and Charaideo districts

22. Football Academy at Kaiiabor (Nagaon District).

G. AGRICULTURE

23. An in ernationaliy accredited Organic Produce Certification

Centre to be set up in Assam Agriculture University.

24. A Regional Pesticide Testing laboratory to be set up at Guwahati.

25.  Muga Parks at Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Sivasagar and South Ka,mrup with special incentives to Muga producers. Rural areas (Dhakuakhana, Dhemaji, Charaideo and Boko) to be declared as eco-sensitive zone for survival of Muga silk culture.

26. Setting up of a Germplasm Bank in Horticulture Collage at Nalbari (Lokhopur) for development of indigenous verities of flora and fauna and collection and preservation of indigenous/heirloom seeds.

27. Solar Cold Storage in Sadia

H. ACT EAST POLICY

28. An international cultural centre in Guwahati to promote people to people socio-cultural contact with neighbouring countries.

29. An International level amusement park to be set up near Mayang and Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary area in collaboration with private sector.

1. SKILL DEVELOPMENT

30. Skill Development Centres will be set up to function in close coordination with industry and impart specialised training to the youth for enhancing their capabilities in areas that are in demand overseas such as hospitality, healthcare, construction, manufacturing etc.

J. BlO-FUEL SECTOR

31. A Committee will be constituted to study and recommend on promotion of investment and formulation of policy in consultation with Niti Aayog to make Assam a hub for green energy.

32. Green Banks will be set up to provide financial assistance for green energy projects.

K. WETLAND DEVELOPMENT

33. Development of eco-tourism and state of the art water sports hub along with fresh water fisheries at Pahu-Garh (Sivasager district), Kalang River (Nagaon district) and Deuri Silabandha bil (Kaliabar), From Bouta bil to Kapfa bil Wetland (hiafbariBarpeta district), Dheer Bill (Dhuburi district), MatapungMaguri bill (Tinsukia district) and Bagibill of Dibrugarh district.

L.  ROADS AND BRIDGES

34. Bridges at (i) Boko-Mukalmua (ii) Disangmukh-Matmora (Sivasagar district-Lakhimpur district) (iii) Lahorighat (Morigaon district) – Udalguri (Udalguri district), and (iv) Mora Deopani-Amarpur Telia Bari to be constructed.

35. Construction of road from Khatkhati to Namrup Dilighat bridge along Assam-Nagaland boundary.

36. Reopening of road communication on Goalpara – Dalu – Nalitabari axis (road along Indo-Bangladesh boarder which links different border trade points).

Peace Pact with ULFA: A Path Towards Peace

• 2005: United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) formed an 11-member ‘People’s Consultative Group’ (PCG)and the committee mediated three rounds of talks.
• 2008: Some ULFA commanders like Arabinda Rajkhowa strive for peace talks while Paresh Baruah was opposed and was expelled from Rajkhowa outfit leading to split in ULFA.
• 2012: The pro-talks faction submitted a 12-point charter of demands (spanning constitutional, political, financial, and cultural concerns), which was finally responded to in 2023.
• 2023: Peace Accord between Rajkhowa’s faction and the Centre was followed, culminating in the tripartite peace agreement.
• One of the major key points is that 97 out of 126 Assembly seats would be reserved for indigenous people and the future delimitation exercise would follow this principle.

Significance of the Peace Pact

• Progress and Development: ₹1.5 lakh crore investment had been pledged in the peace accord.
• Political Will and Implementation: A time-bound program will be made by the Home Ministry to fulfill the demands of ULFA.
• Ensuring Peace Assam: With an aim to achieve resolution and closure.
  Violent Groups Surrendered: As more than 9000 cadres have surrendered on record.
• Triumph of Democratic Process: ULFA has also agreed to engage in the peaceful democratic process established by law and maintain the integrity of the country.

Way Forward

• Fulfill Promise: Government needs to fulfill the promises made during the peace agreement, addressing the concerns and aspirations of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and the affected communities.
• Complete Peace Process: Ensure a comprehensive and thorough peace process.
• Complete Integration and Assimilation: By involving rehabilitation programs, vocational training, and support for their social and economic integration.
• Ensure Continued Monitoring: To ensure that all parties adhere to their commitments.
• Neutralizing ULFA-1: Through collaboration with the Myanmar government. Diplomatic channels must be leveraged to counter any support provided to ULFA-1 by China.

The peace accord is a positive development for Northeast peace. However, challenges persist with the non-participating ULFA-I and cross-border issues. Sustained commitment and diplomatic efforts are essential for ensuring lasting stability in the region.

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