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Amit Shah: 12 peace accords signed, 10,900 youths surrendered arms in Northeast

Published On Sat, 22 Mar 2025
Neha Deshpande
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a major achievement in the government's efforts to establish lasting peace in the Northeast. Since 2019, twelve significant peace accords have been signed with various armed groups, marking a crucial step toward stability in the region. These agreements have led to the surrender of 10,900 youth who have now chosen to reintegrate into mainstream society.


Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Shah emphasized the government's proactive approach in engaging with armed groups to end long-standing conflicts. He highlighted his recent visit to Bodoland, where he witnessed thousands of former militants now embracing development and progress. This transformation reflects the success of the government’s peace initiatives in the region.

Over the past decade, the security situation in the Northeast has improved significantly. According to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs' North East Division, insurgency-related incidents have dropped by 71% since 2014, while security forces' casualties have decreased by 60% and civilian deaths by 82%. The region, comprising Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, has long struggled with insurgency and underdevelopment. However, the government's continuous efforts to resolve inter-state disputes and integrate communities have paved the way for long-term peace and stability.

Shah also spoke about the various peace agreements that have played a vital role in transforming the Northeast. Agreements such as the ANVC Peace Accord, the NLFT(SD) Peace Agreement, the Bru Agreement, the Bodo Peace Accord, and the Karbi Peace Accord have successfully brought thousands of former militants into the mainstream. More recent agreements, such as those with the Adivasi groups, the Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA), the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), and the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), have further strengthened peace efforts in the region.

Addressing the 57th Annual Conference of the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) in Assam’s Kokrajhar, Shah reiterated the government’s commitment to fully implementing the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Peace Agreement signed in 2020. Despite initial skepticism, the Assam government and the Centre have successfully implemented 82% of the agreement’s provisions. Shah assured that the remaining provisions would be fulfilled within the next two years, ensuring lasting peace in the region.

One of the key milestones in improving the security landscape was the removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the entire Bodoland region on April 1, 2022. This decision reflected the significant progress achieved in restoring stability. The impact of these efforts was also recognized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2023, when he noted that more than 10,000 youths in Assam had given up arms due to the peace accords. The government's efforts in the Northeast continue to drive the region toward development, integration, and stability. By addressing long-standing conflicts and bringing militant groups into the mainstream, these initiatives have not only improved security but also fostered hope for a more peaceful future.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.