New Delhi: A Memorandum of Settlement was signed on September 4, 2024, in New Delhi, in the presence of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, between the Government of India, the Government of Tripura, and the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF). The agreement is a significant milestone towards fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and insurgency-free Northeast. Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, and senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Government of Tripura were also present.
On this occasion, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that this is a very important day for the entire country and Tripura. Exuding confidence in the Modi government, NLFT and ATTF reaffirmed their commitment towards the development of Tripura by ending the 35-year-long conflict in the state.
Amit Shah said that since Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, he has put forth the vision of a capable and developed Northeast through peace and dialogue. Shah added that Modi has not only bridged the distance between New Delhi and the Northeast through road, rail, and flight connectivity but also bridged the differences in their hearts. He said that the Government of India is resolved to develop the entire Northeast, including Tripura, by combining the concepts of ‘Ashtalakshmi’ and ‘Purvodaya’, and today’s agreement will prove to be a milestone.
Amit Shah highlighted that this Memorandum of Settlement is the 12th agreement for the Northeast and the third related to Tripura. He added that through these agreements, about 10,000 insurgents have joined the mainstream by laying down their arms. These agreements have been instrumental in preventing the loss of thousands of innocent lives.
Shah noted that under this agreement with NLFT and ATTF, more than 328 armed cadres will give up violence and join the mainstream, contributing not only to building a developed Tripura but also a developed India. He said that those abandoning violence will now participate in the creation of a prosperous Tripura as proud citizens. The Government of India is making wholehearted efforts, considering all sensitivities, in the implementation of all agreements to ensure regional development and address the root causes of insurgency. The Centre has approved a special package of Rs 250 crore for the overall development of the tribal population of Tripura.
The Union Home Minister emphasised that the Modi government has implemented all agreements in both letter and spirit. He stated that this is a hallmark of the Modi government’s approach. After the signing of the Bru-Reang agreement, thousands of Bru-Reang families now live in homes, their children attend good schools, and they receive full benefits of all public welfare schemes. The government will fully abide by this new agreement as well, and the Ministry of Home Affairs will work to meet expectations. Together, efforts will be made to build an empowered Tripura.
Amit Shah mentioned that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was lifted from Tripura in 2015, and it has also been withdrawn from many parts of the Northeast. Instead of deploying armed forces, the Modi government is committed to the development of the entire Northeast while preserving and developing the culture, languages, and identity of the region, especially of tribal groups.
Under the agreement, NLFT and ATTF have agreed to abandon violence, lay down their arms and ammunition, and disband their armed organisations. Armed cadres of both groups have also agreed to participate in the peaceful democratic process established by law and maintain the integrity of the country.
Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for establishing lasting peace, prosperity, and goodwill across the entire Northeast. /BI
