06-September-2024-Editorial

PEACE AGREEMENT BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND INSURGENT GROUPS IN TRIPURA

The Central Government, in collaboration with the state government of Tripura, recently signed a peace agreement with two major insurgent groups—National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF).

This agreement aims to end a 35-year-long insurgency, promote stability, and foster development in the state. By renouncing violence, both groups have committed to reintegrating into society, marking a significant step towards peace and progress.

Key Highlights of the Peace Agreement

Reintegration of Armed Cadres:

• Over 328 cadres from NLFT and ATTF will surrender and reintegrate into society.
• This move is essential for restoring peace and stability in the region.

Financial Package:

• The central government has approved a financial package worth Rs 250 crore for the development of Tripura’s tribal population.
• This initiative aims to uplift tribal communities and promote socio-economic growth.

Broader Initiative for the Northeast:

• This agreement is part of a larger effort to resolve insurgencies across the Northeast.
• Between 2014 and 2024, the government signed 12 major peace agreements, including three for Tripura, aimed at stabilizing the region.

Significance of the Peace Pact

Restoration of Peace and Stability:

• The end of violence by these armed groups is a major step towards peace.
• This pact aims to create a safer environment, paving the way for development and economic growth in Tripura.

Integration into Mainstream Society:

• The agreement enables the integration of former insurgents into mainstream society, addressing issues like alienation and disenfranchisement among tribal communities.
• These individuals now have the opportunity to positively contribute to the state’s development.

Development Initiatives:

• The approved financial package demonstrates the government’s commitment to the socio-economic development of Tripura’s tribal population.
• This focus on development helps prevent future conflicts by addressing the root causes of unrest.

Cultural Preservation:

• The peace pact supports preserving the cultural heritage, languages, and identity of the tribal groups in the Northeast.
• This helps in fostering a strong sense of belonging and pride among the communities.

Reasons for Insurgency in Northeast India, Including Tripura

• Inter-Tribal Conflicts: Changes in religious composition, particularly among the Jamatiya community, heightened tensions, adding to the existing tribal-non-tribal conflicts.
• Demographic Changes: Large-scale migration from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) post-1947 changed Tripura’s demographic composition, with Bengali-speaking people becoming the majority, sparking discontent among indigenous tribes.
• Proximity to Mizoram Insurgency: Tripura’s proximity to Mizoram exposed it to the insurgency there, further fueling local tensions and unrest.
• Formation of Insurgent Groups: Discontent over land and demographic shifts led to the creation of insurgent groups like TUJS (Tripura Upajati Juba Samiti), TNV (Tripura National Volunteers), and NLFT, which further intensified insurgency.
• Economic Factors: Poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment in the region fueled the insurgency, as young people found employment in insurgent groups as an alternative means of livelihood.
• Geographical Challenges: Tripura, along with other northeastern states, is geographically isolated, sharing 98% of its borders with other countries. This weak connectivity with mainland India contributed to its economic and political neglect.
• Loss of Tribal Lands: Tribals lost their lands to non-tribal settlers, often sold at low prices. Deprived of their traditional livelihoods, many tribal communities faced marginalization, fueling insurgency.
• Political Factors: Northeastern states, including Tripura, often felt neglected by the central government, with limited political representation leading to demands for autonomy and protection of their identity and resources.

Government Initiatives

Dialogues and Negotiations:

• The government has engaged in dialogues with insurgent groups, resulting in several peace accords. This includes the recent agreement with NLFT and ATTF in Tripura.

Important Agreements:

• Naga Peace Accord: Extended ceasefire with NSCN (K)/Niki group till 2025.
• Assam-Meghalaya Boundary Agreement (2022): Settled disputes in six sectors between the two states.
• Other Agreements: Karbi Anglong Agreement (2021), Bodo Accord (2020), Bru-Reang Agreement (2020), and NLFT-Tripura Agreement (2019).

Development Initiatives:

• The government has invested in infrastructure and economic development through projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project and Bharatmala Pariyojana.
• Schemes like the North East Industrial Development Scheme and PM-DevINE aim to boost the region’s economy.
• Skill development and education programs help address the region’s unemployment issue.

Cultural and Social Initiatives:

• The government promotes regional languages and festivals to preserve cultural heritage.
• Initiatives like Northeastern Council and joint development projects foster cooperation between states.

Challenges

• Trust Building: Rebuilding trust between the government and former insurgents is crucial for long-term peace, but it remains a challenge due to historical grievances.
• Monitoring and Compliance: Ensuring insurgent groups fully comply with the terms of the peace agreements requires constant monitoring.
• Socio-Economic Integration: Former insurgents need to be provided with job opportunities, training, and psychological support to reintegrate into society.
• Political Dynamics: The political landscape in Tripura is complex, with multiple stakeholders involved. Inclusive governance will be key to sustaining peace.
• Continued Militancy: Some splinter groups may not adhere to the peace agreement, posing a threat to continued peace and stability in the region.

Way Forward

• Effective Policing: Strengthening law enforcement and governance is essential for maintaining peace and security.
• Dialogue and Negotiation: Sustained dialogue with all groups, including marginalized ones, is vital for a peaceful resolution.
• Economic Development: Investing in development projects can address root causes of insurgency by reducing poverty and providing employment.
• Political Representation: Ensuring fair representation of ethnic communities in governance helps address their concerns and build trust.
• Cultural Preservation: Promoting local festivals, languages, and history can foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of alienation.

Conclusion:

The peace agreement in Tripura is a hopeful step toward lasting stability and development. However, successful implementation depends on addressing the underlying issues that have fueled insurgency for decades.