Karbi Peace Accord Completes Five Years, Assam CM Highlights Peace And Development

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday marked the fifth anniversary of the Karbi Peace Accord, describing the agreement as a major turning point that helped move Karbi Anglong from years of conflict towards peace, development and political stability. The accord was signed in New Delhi on September 4, 2021, between the Centre, the Assam government and representatives of several Karbi groups, including armed organisations.

In a post on X, Sarma noted that the agreement addressed the long-standing aspirations of the Karbi people while safeguarding Assam's territorial integrity. He described the settlement as a decisive shift from prolonged conflict towards lasting harmony and highlighted the role of dialogue in creating a more stable future for the region. The accord followed years of insurgency and violence involving Karbi militant groups in Karbi Anglong.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the development opportunities that emerged following the peace agreement. These include infrastructure expansion, targeted tribal welfare programmes, opportunities for young people, promotion of art and culture, and support for local entrepreneurship. He reiterated that the state government remains focused on accelerating development in the region while protecting the distinct identity and interests of the Karbi community.

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The 2021 settlement included provisions for the rehabilitation and resettlement of armed cadres, along with greater administrative and political powers for the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. It also provided for a special development package aimed at strengthening the region's socio-economic infrastructure. The broader objective was to bring former militants into the mainstream and create conditions for sustained peace and development in Assam's hill districts.

Following the agreement, hundreds of cadres associated with different Karbi armed groups laid down their arms and joined the peace process. The settlement was regarded as an important step towards addressing long-standing demands of the Karbi community through constitutional and democratic mechanisms. It also sought to establish a framework for resolving regional concerns without affecting Assam's territorial integrity.

Sarma noted that Karbi Anglong was continuing on the path of prosperity and described the peace agreement as an example of how dialogue and reconciliation can contribute to a resilient future. He reiterated the Assam government's commitment to the region's rapid development and the welfare of its people, while maintaining the balance between development, peace and protection of local identity.

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