"Lasting Peace, Prosperity": Assam, Centre Sign Karbi Peace Accord

The deal comes in less than two years after the Centre extended the Bodo Peace Accord, first signed in 2003.

Five terrorist groups representing Assam's Karbi tribe today signed a tripartite agreement with the Centre and the state government, kindling hopes of a return of peace after decades of violence. The "historic" Karbi Anglong Peace Accord involves the laying down of arms by members of the community and the government spending up to Rs 1,000 crore over the next five years towards development. The accord was signed in New Delhi by the People's Democratic Council of Karbi Longri, Karbi Longri NC Hills Liberation Front, Karbi People's Liberation Tiger, Kuki Liberation Front, and the United Peoples Liberation Army, with representatives of the Centre and the state government. The deal was wrapped up in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and his predecessor Sarbananda Sonowal. "It is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to welcome those who leave guns to be inducted to the mainstream and provide them with more benefits than they ask for to encourage them to work for the betterment of their region," Mr Shah said.