NLFT, ATTF sign peace accord, HM Shah announces Rs 250 crore economic package

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, September 4, 2024

As many as 328 cadres affiliated to banned rebel outfits—National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF)—are all set to join the mainstream life permanently leaving armed struggle as per the “Memorandum of Settlement” signed at New Delhi on Wednesday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah who chaired the peace accord signing process with both the outfits said that it marked the end of a 35-year-long insurgency in Tripura.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in New Delhi, Shah termed the agreement a "milestone" and emphasized its significance in ensuring long-lasting peace in the North East, particularly in Tripura.

“Under the terms of the peace accord, 328 militants from both groups will lay down their arms and reintegrate into society. To support their transition, the Indian government has approved a financial package of Rs 250 crore. This economic aid aims to help the former rebels rebuild their lives and contribute to the development of Tripura,” the Union Home Minister has said.

Shah highlighted the broader impact of the peace accord, noting that it is part of a series of 12 peace agreements related to Northeast India facilitated by the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

“Since PM Modi took charge, we have worked to close the distance between the Northeast and Delhi—not just geographically, through improved roads, railways, and airways, but also in the hearts of the people,” Shah said.

He added that around 10,000 insurgents affiliated to different rebel groups across the Northeast have returned to normal life and now leading peaceful lives.

The Union Home Minister also cited the success of the 2020 Bru agreement as an example of the government's commitment to resolving longstanding issues in the Northeast.

“Today, thousands of Brus live freely in their homes and have access to over 300 welfare schemes launched by the Government of India,” Shah noted.

Reassuring the NLFT and ATTF cadres, Shah assured that the peace accord would be implemented in true spirit, ensuring that the aspirations of the Tiprasa people are fulfilled.

He also pointed out that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has been completely withdrawn from Tripura and significantly reduced across the Northeast, reflecting the region's improved security situation.

Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, who was also present at the event, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah for fostering peace across the Northeast.

He praised the signing of the peace accord as a major step forward and welcomed the former militants back into society, urging them to lead lives of peace and prosperity.

"Under PM Modi's visionary leadership, a dozen peace accords have been signed in the Northeast, resolving complex issues and transforming the lives of people in remote areas," Dr. Saha remarked.

The signing ceremony was attended by a 10-member delegation from NLFT and ATTF. Biswa Mohan Debbarma, chief of the NLFT (BM) group, and Upendra Reang, Vice President of the organization, signed on behalf of NLFT. Alindra Reang was the key signatory for ATTF. Upendra Reang expressed hope that the government would fulfill its promises, particularly the financial package, and continue addressing the issues facing the Tiprasa people.

Other members of the who attended the event included Advisor on North East issues AK Mishra, former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, Tipra Motha Party founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka, and senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs.