The MoU is coordinated with the vision of an extremist-free prosperous North-East, which envisages all-around development, peace, and prosperity of the Northeast. Recently a tripartite agreement was signed between five insurgent groups of Assam, the central and the state government. That’s the Karbi Anglong Agreement.
Karbi Anglong Crisis and how did it arise
Situated in central Assam, Karbi is the largest district of Anglong state and the meeting point of ethnic and tribal groups – Karbi, Dimasa, Bodo, Kuki, Hamar, Tiwa, Garo, Man (Tai speaking), Rengma Naga cultures. Its diversity also gave rise to various organizations and gave rise to extremism that did not allow the region to develop.
The Karbi are a major ethnic group of Assam, which is surrounded by many factions and their parts. The history of the Karbi group has been marked by murders, ethnic violence, kidnappings, and taxation since the late 1980s.
The insurgent groups of Karbi Anglong district such as the People’s Democratic Council of Karbi Longri (PDCK), Karbi Longri NC Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF), etc. have emerged from the main demand for a separate state.
Demands of the extremist groups
Some of the other demands of the extremist groups are as follows:
1. Inclusion of certain areas in the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).
2. Reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes.
3. More powers to the Council.
4. Inclusion of Karbi language in the Eighth Schedule.
5. Rs 1,500 crore financial package.
Main Features of the Karbi Anglong Peace Accord
Karbi organizations surrendered: 5 militant organizations (KLNLF, PDCK, UPLA, KPLT, and KLF) laid down their arms and more than 1000 of their armed cadres gave up violence and joined the mainstream of society.
Special Development Package: A special development package of Rs 1000 crore will be allocated in five years by the Central Government and the Government of Assam for starting special projects for the development of Karbi areas.
More autonomy to KAAC: Karbi Anglong compromise will transfer as much autonomy as possible to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council to exercise its powers without affecting the territorial and administrative integrity of Assam. Overall, the present agreement proposes to give KAAC more legislative, executive, administrative, and financial powers.
Rehabilitation: Provision has been made in this agreement for the rehabilitation of the cadres of armed groups.
Development of the local people: The Assam government will set up a Karbi Welfare Council to focus on the development of the Karbi people living outside the KAAC area. This agreement will be helpful in protecting the culture, identity, language, etc. of the Karbi people and also in ensuring the all-around development of the region. The Consolidated Fund of the State will be amended to supply resources to KAAC.
source: PIB
