Agartala: The Government of India and the Government of Tripura on Wednesday signed a memorandum of settlement with proscribed militant outfits NLFT (National Liberation Front of Tripura) and ATTF (All Tripura Tiger Force) in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.
Speaking at the event, Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the “peace deal” as a milestone in bringing peace to the whole North East region and Tripura in particular. He also announced an economic package of Rs 250 crore for the 328 rebels who are set to give up the path of armed rebellion to join mainstream life.
It should be noted here NLFT and ATTF are considered to be the last two rebel groups which were active for since 1989 and due to the peace accord a 35 year long armed struggle came to an end.
“After PM Modi-led government was installed in the centre, a dozen peace accords were signed which were related to the North East. The Modi government has not only worked in the field of connectivity such as railways, road, and airways but also removed the perception that North East is far away from Delhi,” Shah told the gathering.
Appreciating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unique concepts of ‘Asta Lakshmi’ and ‘Purvuday’ for North East India, the Union Home Minister said, “Over 10,000 militants have surrendered their arms to rejoin mainstream society. The successful implementation of these peace agreements has saved thousands of lives, whether they be rebels, security personnel, or innocent civilians. Following the peace pact with the NLFT and ATTF, 328 cadres will give up the path of violence and begin contributing to the development and progress of Tripura. A financial package of Rs 250 crore has been approved to support them in getting rehabilitated in the society effectively.”
Stating that the displaced Bru migrants of Mizoram now have their own homes in Tripura, he said, “Once rendered homeless in their own country, thousands of displaced Brus now have their own houses. In addition, they had been made entitled to become beneficiaries of 300 welfare schemes on priority.”
He assured the members of NLFT and ATTF that the peace accord signed on Wednesday would be implemented in “letter and spirit,” with the Ministry of Home Affairs committed to fulfilling all the aspirations of the Tiprasa people. He highlighted that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has been fully withdrawn from Tripura and significantly reduced across the entire Northeast. He added, “We are deeply committed to the socio-cultural and linguistic development of the people in the Northeast region of India.”
Speaking on the occasion, Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha extended his sincere thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for restoring peace in North East.
A 10-member delegation of NLFT and ATTF remained present at the event. The self-styled chief of NLFT (BM) group, Biswa Mohan Debbarma, and Vice President Upendra Reang signed the agreement papers while Alindra Reang and Rakesh Tripura remained present from ATTF.
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Speaking at the event, NLFT leader Upendra Reang stated, “We have chosen to join mainstream life, placing our trust in the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We hope the Government of India will honor its promises and implement the financial package for the welfare of the Tiprasa people. I also urge Union Home Minister Amit Shah to continue addressing the issues faced by the Tiprasa community for the overall development of the state.”
Also present at the event were the Government of India’s Northeast Advisor AK Mishra, West Tripura MP and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, Tipra Motha Party founder and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka, and senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
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