ULFA Peace Accord

Syllabus

GS 3 : Internal Security   >   Northeast insurgency

REFERENCE NEWS

• 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.

ABOUT ULFA PEACE ACCORD

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

CAUSES OF INSURGENCY IN ASSAM 

The insurgency in Assam, influenced by the rise of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), can be attributed to multiple factors:

• Historical Context: Assam's unique history and identity have often been overlooked by India's central government, leading to feelings of historical injustice and fueling separatist sentiments.
• Perceived Cultural Imperialism: The migration of people from other parts of India, particularly Bengali speakers during and after the Bangladesh Liberation War, has shifted Assam's demographic balance. This has raised concerns about the dilution of the native Assamese culture and identity.
• Economic Challenges: Assam has struggled with underdevelopment, unemployment, and limited industrialization. The exploitation of local resources, such as oil and tea, without fair benefits for the local population, has exacerbated these issues.
• Autonomy Demands: Groups like ULFA have sought increased autonomy and control over Assam's resources, aiming to safeguard indigenous interests and reinforce Assamese identity.
• Government Response and Human Rights Issues: The Indian government's stern response, including the alleged misuse of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), human rights violations, and extrajudicial killings, has further estranged the populace and intensified anti-government sentiments.
• External Support: Insurgent groups have reportedly received support, including training and shelter, from outside sources. This external assistance has enhanced their capabilities and prolonged the conflict.
• Distinct Assamese Identity: The Assamese community has a unique culture and language, contributing to a robust sense of identity among its members.

NECESSITY OF PEACE ACCORD

• Ethnocultural Diversity: The North-East region is characterized by a rich tapestry of different ethnicities, languages, and cultures. Each group has its own unique historical issues and demands for autonomy, making it challenging to develop a universally acceptable resolution.
• Challenging Geography: The area's difficult terrain, dense forests, and open international borders provide insurgent groups with natural cover and enable cross-border activities. This geography hampers the security forces' efforts to effectively manage insurgencies.
• Historical Disputes: Persistent grievances related to ethnic identity, land rights, and self-governance have been at the heart of many insurgencies. Resolving these issues involves careful consideration of complex historical contexts and balancing diverse claims.
• Developmental Disparities: The North-East region is relatively underdeveloped, with lower performance in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. This developmental lag contributes to a sense of neglect and makes the population more vulnerable to insurgent recruitment.
• International Factors and Support: Insurgent groups often benefit from external support, including safe havens and resources, provided by entities across international borders. This external dimension adds a layer of complexity to internal conflict resolution and diplomatic relations.
• Multiplicity of Insurgent Organizations: The existence of numerous insurgent groups, each with its own ideologies, goals, and areas of influence, makes peace negotiations and consensus-building exceptionally difficult.
• Security and Human Rights Balancing Act: The government faces the ongoing challenge of implementing effective security measures to combat insurgency while simultaneously safeguarding human rights and minimizing civilian harm.

PERSISTENT CHALLENGES

Navigating the challenges in implementing the ULFA Peace Accord is critical for its success, as several factors could potentially impede the process:

• Challenges in Execution: Implementing the accord's terms can be difficult due to various logistical, political, and societal hurdles. Inadequate execution of key aspects may erode trust and risk reigniting tensions.
• Persistent Historical Issues: The root causes of insurgencies in the North-East are often anchored in long-standing issues related to identity, self-governance, land rights, and socio-economic imbalances. The peace accord may not fully address these deep-rooted concerns, potentially leaving some issues unresolved.
• Diverse Insurgent Groups: The region is home to multiple insurgent factions with distinct goals, beliefs, and territorial claims. Engaging only a fraction of these groups in the peace process can lead to dissatisfaction among others, sustaining the cycle of conflict. For instance, the ULFA-I faction remains outside the peace process.
• Addressing Developmental Inequities: Insurgencies frequently flourish in regions with significant socio-economic disparities. If the peace accord does not tackle the developmental deficits and lack of opportunities, it might fail to deter new insurgent recruits.
• External Influences: Insurgent groups often have cross-border links, receiving support and refuge from neighbouring nations. The peace accord might not fully counter these external elements, which can continue to fuel insurgency. For instance, ULFA maintains bases in Myanmar and previously in Bangladesh and Bhutan.
• Adapting to Evolving Insurgency Dynamics: The insurgency landscape is continuously changing, with shifts in leadership, tactics, and external influences. A static peace accord might struggle to adapt to these evolving conditions, limiting its effectiveness over time. ULFA, for example, has established connections with other insurgent groups in the Northeast and Myanmar, as well as with global terror organizations.

WAY FORWARD

• Engagement and Peace Talks: Continuous dialogue with insurgent factions is crucial. Learning from successful negotiations like those with NSCN-IM can guide these discussions to address specific grievances and aim for peaceful resolutions.
• Regional Development Efforts: Implementing focused developmental projects to bridge socio-economic gaps is essential. Investing in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and creating job opportunities can mitigate the factors driving insurgency. Encouraging industrial growth through trade can also create employment and foster regional integration.
• Governance with Community Participation: Promoting inclusive governance by involving local communities in decision-making is key. Empowering local bodies and ensuring fair representation can enhance community engagement and reduce feelings of disenfranchisement.
• Strategic Security Management: Effective and coordinated security operations are necessary while upholding human rights standards. Tackling insurgent activities and curbing cross-border smuggling are vital for regional stability.
• International Collaboration: Cooperation with neighboring countries is essential due to the cross-border nature of many insurgent groups. Strengthening diplomatic relations and enhancing intelligence sharing can address broader insurgency issues.
• Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration: Providing support for the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-insurgents into society is important. Initiatives for skill development and psychological counseling can assist in their transition back into civilian life.
• Addressing Fundamental Issues: Tackling the root causes such as historical grievances, ethnic conflicts, and identity issues is critical. Promoting cultural diversity and respecting local traditions can contribute to unity. Ensuring transparency and accountability in the application of laws like AFSPA is also necessary.

By thoroughly and strategically implementing these approaches with a focus on long-term outcomes, significant progress can be made towards reducing and ultimately resolving the insurgencies in India’s North-East region.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q: Analyse the impact of the ULFA Peace Accord on India's North-Eastern region, highlighting the challenges in its implementation and suggesting measures for its success. (15M, 250W)