Assam: Unsure over outcome of Centre-ULFA-I signing peace pact, says Debabrata Saikia

Assam Congress leader Debabrata Saikia on December 27 said that he is not sure of what the outcome of the impending signing of peace pact between Centre and ULFA-I will be as many facts and information received about the peace pact signing remains unclear. 

"ULFA issue has been a long standing issue of the state. It is not that the Congress government during its rule had not worked for a peaceful pact with ULFA. Congress had tried once, hence several ULFA leaders surrendered and turned SULFA. Have received news of the government moving ahead with a peace pact with ULFA. But with whom or between whom the peace accord will be signed, still remains unclear. There is still one faction who is demanding a separate statehood. Hence what will be its outcome, I am not pretty sure of", said Debabrata Saikia while speaking to the reporters.

On December 29, 2023, a significant step towards peace in Assam is anticipated as the Indian government is poised to sign a tripartite peace agreement with the pro-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). This development is seen as a major breakthrough by the Narendra Modi-led central government in addressing the longstanding insurgency issue in the northeast region of India.

The peace deal, which has been in the works since peace talks began in 2011, includes a comprehensive set of demands put forth by the ULFA's pro-talk faction. These demands encompass a financial package for Assam, a review of the citizenship list to address the issue of illegal immigrants, land reservation and rights for indigenous communities, and political, economic, and cultural safeguards for these communities.

Top leaders from the pro-talk ULFA, including Anup Chetia and Sashadhar Choudhury, have been actively involved in finalizing the deal with senior officials from the Home Ministry in Delhi. The Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also played a role in the process, meeting with key security agency chiefs during his stay in the national capital.

Despite the progress, there are concerns about the inclusivity of the peace accord. Assam Congress leader Debabrata Saikia has expressed uncertainty regarding the details of the pact, noting that while the Congress government had previously made efforts leading to several ULFA leaders surrendering, there remains a faction demanding separate statehood. The outcome of the peace deal, according to Saikia, is still uncertain given these unresolved issues.

The peace agreement aims to address various aspects, including constitutional and political reforms, protection of local identities and resources, financial and economic packages, settlement of royalties on natural resources, and measures to combat illegal migration, including border security enhancements.

As the date approaches, all eyes are on the potential resolution of a conflict that has affected Assam for decades, with hopes that the peace deal will bring lasting stability and prosperity to the region. However, the stance of the ULFA (Independent) faction, led by Paresh Baruah and operating from the India-Myanmar border region, remains opposed to the peace talks, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.