UNITED LIBERATION FRONT OF ASOM (ULFA)

2. Formation of ULFA

• The genesis of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) can be traced back to the aftermath of the anti-foreigners Assam Agitation, initiated in 1979 and concluding with the signing of the Assam Accord in August 1985.
• This agitation was fueled by concerns that indigenous communities, particularly the Assamese, faced the risk of displacement by "illegal immigrants" from Bangladesh.
• As various social organizations and student bodies chose the path of peaceful agitation during this period, a faction of radicals emerged, including key figures such as Arabinda Rajkhowa, Anup Chetia, and Paresh Baruah.
• On April 7, 1979, this radical group formally established the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) with the primary objective of launching an armed struggle to secure a sovereign Assam.
• Over the next decade, ULFA strategically recruited and trained its members in countries like Myanmar, China, and Pakistan, preparing for an armed struggle.
• The group's activities escalated with a series of abductions and executions.
• In response to the growing threat posed by ULFA, the government initiated Operation Bajrang in 1990, leading to the official ban on ULFA and the declaration of Assam as a disturbed area under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.

3. Initiation of Peace Process

The peace process for the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) had its origins in the early 1990s, marked by counter-insurgency operations that resulted in the arrest of 1,221 ULFA members. The government responded to ULFA's escalating activities with Operation Bajrang in 1990, leading to the official ban on the organization.

• ULFA, with support from groups like Harkat-ul-Jihad-e-Islami and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, established camps in Bangladesh and Bhutan. The group spent a decade recruiting fighters and training members in Myanmar, China, and Pakistan, conducting abductions and executions.
• Bhutan initiated a military offensive in 2003, leading to the flushing out of ULFA members from camps in Bangladesh and Bhutan. The return of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League to power in Bangladesh in 2009 further impacted ULFA's presence in these countries.
• In 2005, ULFA raised hopes for peace when it formed an 11-member People’s Consultative Group. However, the group backtracked, initiating a fresh phase of terror.
• After the security forces apprehended ULFA leaders in India in 2009, the Rajkhowa-led faction signed a ceasefire agreement with the Centre in September 2011. In opposition to talks, Paresh Baruah "expelled" Rajkhowa from ULFA in 2012, leading to the formation of the anti-talk faction named ULFA (Independent) in April 2013.
• The pro-talk faction of ULFA signed a tripartite peace deal with the Centre and the Assam government on December 29, 2023. The memorandum of settlement outlines key provisions, including the renunciation of violence, disarmament, disbandment of armed organizations, vacating occupied camps, and participation in the peaceful democratic process established by the law.

4. Provisions of the Peace Accord

The memorandum of settlement between the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the government outlines comprehensive provisions, marking a significant shift towards non-violence and addressing the demands of the outfit.

• The ULFA has committed to renouncing violence, disarming, and disbanding the armed organization. This move reflects a departure from the group's earlier militant stance.
• The accord mandates the ULFA to vacate the camps it occupies, contributing to the restoration of normalcy and peace in the region.
• ULFA has pledged to participate in the peaceful democratic process established by the law, emphasizing a transition towards resolving issues through democratic means.
• The peace accord addresses the political demands of ULFA, including the commitment to maintaining the territorial integrity of Assam. It emphasizes an amicable settlement of boundary disputes with neighbouring states in the Northeast.
• The agreement underscores the continuation of the "guidelines and methodology" adopted for the delimitation exercise conducted in 2023 in future processes. This ensures fair representation for indigenous communities in the Assam Assembly.
• The accord aims to ensure maximum representation for indigenous communities in the 126-member Assam Assembly. This involves measures to limit the participation of non-original inhabitants, primarily migrant Muslims, in certain constituencies.
• The pact includes legislative safeguards, reflecting the commitment to address the political demands of ULFA. It addresses concerns raised during the 2023 delimitation, ensuring that non-indigenous communities face challenges in contesting specific seats.
• The accord seeks exemption for Assam from Section 3 of the Citizenship Act of 1955, specifically dealing with people who have renounced Indian citizenship or whose citizenship has been terminated. This aims to conditionally restrict individuals from one constituency from being registered in another.
• The peace accord emphasizes the preparation of an error-free National Register of Citizens  (NRC). This includes addressing the issues raised during the updating process, which resulted in a significant number of rejections.
• A notable aspect of the accord is the commitment to a comprehensive development package, involving an investment of ₹1.5 lakh crore. This significant investment is aimed at fostering all-round development in Assam.

5. Challenges Ahead After Peace Accord

While the signing of the peace accord is a significant milestone, several challenges lie ahead, posing potential hurdles to the achievement of lasting peace in the region:

• The presence of the anti-talks faction, led by Paresh Baruah, remains a formidable challenge. Baruah, along with around 200 fighters of ULFA (I), operates from hideouts in the Sagaing Division of Myanmar. Their reluctance to engage in talks, insisting on discussing the sovereignty of Assam, adds complexity to the peace process.
• Paresh Baruah's demand for discussions on the sovereignty of Assam poses a significant hurdle. While the Chief Minister asserts that no one in Assam wishes to secede from India, addressing Baruah's concerns without compromising the nation's integrity remains a delicate task.
• The geographical location of ULFA (I) hideouts in the Sagaing Division of Myanmar presents operational challenges. Ensuring cooperation from the Myanmar government to address these hideouts and facilitate negotiations is crucial.
• The success of the peace accord depends on the government's intent and effective implementation of the agreed-upon clauses. Demonstrating sincerity in fulfilling commitments will be essential to build trust and sustain the peace process.
• Public sentiment and support play a vital role in the success of peace initiatives. Convincing the local population about the benefits of the accord and garnering their support will be crucial for its long-term success.
• Efforts to bring Paresh Baruah and the ULFA (I) faction to the negotiation table need to persist. Convincing them to participate in talks and find common ground is essential for a comprehensive and inclusive resolution.
• The involvement of ULFA (I) in cross-border activities and its base in Myanmar introduces international dynamics. Diplomatic efforts and collaboration with Myanmar are necessary to address these complexities.
• The promised comprehensive development package, involving a substantial investment, needs effective execution. Ensuring that development benefits reach all sections of society will be crucial for maintaining stability.
• While transitioning towards peace, maintaining security measures is vital to prevent any resurgence of violence or attempts to destabilize the region. A balance between peace-building and security must be carefully maintained.