TRIPARTITE PEACE PACT
Why in the News?
- The Union Home Ministry and Assam government inked a significant memorandum of settlement with the pro-talks faction of ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom) to bring peace to the region.
- ULFA cadres, numbering 700, have committed to surrendering arms, vacating camps, and actively participating in the peaceful democratic process, fostering national integrity.
Source: India Today
About the Memorandum of settlement:
- The peace accord aims at political inclusion, reserving 97 out of 126 Assembly seats for indigenous people, addressing their political insecurities.
- Key features include a ₹1.5 lakh crore investment pledge, constitutional safeguards protecting land rights, and restrictions on migration between constituencies.
About ULFA:
- Background: Militant group formed in 1979 by Paresh Baruah, aiming for an independent socialist Assam through armed struggle.
- Operational Alliances:
- Established connections with NSCN (Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland) in 1983 and the Kachin Independent Army in 1987.
- Commenced independent operations in 1990.
- Government Action:
- Indian Army initiated military operations against ULFA in 1990, ongoing to the present.
- Government of India banned ULFA in 1990 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, designating it a terrorist organization.
About Operation All Clear:
· In 2003, Bhutan conducted Operation All Clear, supported logistically by Indian security forces. · Aimed to eliminate ULFA, NDFB, and KLO camps in southern Bhutan. · Resulted in the expulsion of ULFA from Bhutan, capturing and handing over senior leaders to the Indian Army. |