Amit Shah Announces 12 Peace Accords In Northeast India; Marks Major Milestone In Region’s Stability

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a key achievement in the government’s peace initiatives in Northeast India on Friday.

Since 2019, the government has signed a total of 12 significant peace accords with various armed groups, marking a breakthrough in the region’s path toward lasting peace and stability.

Peace Accords Lead To Thousands Of Youth Joining The Mainstream

Minister Shah revealed that these peace agreements have had a profound impact, with over 10,900 youth surrendering their weapons and integrating into society.

“After our Government came to power, we engaged with all armed outfits in the Northeast. From 2019 to date, 12 peace accords have been signed, and 10,900 youth have laid down their arms,” Shah remarked in the Rajya Sabha.

His recent visit to Bodoland further underscored the government’s commitment to development, as thousands of youth are now embracing opportunities for growth and progress.

Improvement In Security Across The Region

Since 2014, the security situation in Northeast India has seen remarkable improvements.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, incidents of insurgency have decreased by 71 percent, security force casualties have fallen by 60 percent, and civilian deaths have dropped by 82 percent in 2023 compared to 2014.

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The Northeast region, comprising Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, has faced historical challenges, including insurgency and underdevelopment.

However, the government’s proactive approach has resulted in the resolution of long-pending disputes and fostered greater integration and trust among communities.

Recent Peace Agreements And Their Impact

Several peace accords have been signed over the years, each addressing different groups and issues. Key agreements include:

• ANVC Peace Accord (2014): The Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) and ANVC/B disbanded, with 751 cadres surrendering their weapons.
• NLFT(SD) Peace Agreement (2019): A settlement with the National Liberation Front of Tripura resulted in the surrender of 88 cadres and 44 arms.
• Bru Agreement (2020): The Bru migrant community reached a permanent settlement in Tripura, with financial assistance amounting to ₹661 crore.
• Bodo Peace Accord (2020): This agreement resolved the Bodo issue, leading to the surrender of 1,615 cadres.
• Karbi Peace Accord (2021): A settlement with Karbi groups saw over 1,000 armed cadres lay down their arms.
• Adivasi Peace Accord (2022): A solution for Adivasi groups in Assam resulted in 1,182 cadres joining the mainstream.
• DNLA Peace Agreement (2023): The Dimasa National Liberation Army signed a deal, with 181 cadres surrendering.
• UNLF Peace Agreement (2023): The United National Liberation Front of Manipur agreed to cease violence and return to the mainstream.

Bodoland’s Peace Transformation And Progress

Shah’s visit to Bodoland highlights the success of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Peace Agreement signed in 2020.

The Minister proudly declared that the government has implemented nearly 82 percent of the agreement’s provisions, despite initial skepticism from political opponents.

“Congress used to mock me, saying there would never be peace in Bodoland, but today, the Assam government and the Centre have implemented almost 82 percent of the agreement’s provisions,” Shah said.

He assured that the government would fully implement the remaining provisions within the next two years, securing lasting peace in the region.

In April 2022, the government lifted the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the entire Bodoland region under the BTR Peace Agreement, marking a significant step toward normalization and development.

The Road Ahead: Further Development And Peacebuilding

The government views the peace accords as an essential part of its strategy to bring lasting peace to the region.

Shah’s statements highlight the government’s continued commitment to improving security, fostering development, and resolving longstanding issues in Northeast India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously acknowledged the positive impact of these peace accords, noting that more than 10,000 youth in Assam have given up arms and embraced peaceful, productive lives since their signing.

The government’s continued implementation of peace agreements and focus on development in the Northeast is expected to foster a new era of stability and progress in the region.