UPDS signs accord with Centre

Guwahati, Dec 6 (ANI): It was a historic moment for the people of Karbi Anglong when members of the United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) inked a peace accord with the Centre in New Delhi recently.

The tripartite accord between UPDS, the state government and the Centre, was signed in presence of Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and representatives of more than 50 communities of Karbi Anglong.

Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram congratulated the people of Assam, particularly the people of Karbi Anglong district for showing agreement to peace.

"All of us wish that Assam becomes a peaceful and developed state. I also congratulate the people of Assam, including the people of Karbi Anglong district, for showing maturity and wisdom and recognizing the importance of peace for overall socio-economic development," said Chidambaram.

The chairman of UPDS, Longsodar Senar, also said that he was fully committed to promoting peace in the region.

"My colleagues and I are committed to the peace and will do all we can to defend the peace we are seeking through the Memorandum of Settlement," said Senar.

The tripartite accord will provide enhanced autonomy for Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and a special package of Rs 350 crores for speedier socio-economic development of the area.

Some of the important points in the accord include, setting up of a committee under Assam Legislative assembly, increasing the seats in the Karbi Autonomous council to 50, transfer of additional subjects by the State of Assam to the Council along with legislation and executive powers, improvement in road connectivity, water supply and power in Karbi Anglong District and rehabilitation of UPDS cadres.

People in Karbi Anglong have welcomed the signing of this accord.

Rakesh Teron, a resident of Karbi Anglong, said he welcomed the peace accord signed between UPDS and Centre, and hoped that peace would return to Karbi Anglong and Dhimasa militancy affected areas.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi expressed his happiness for succeeding to bring all insurgent groups to negotiating table to establish peace in the region after years of violence and bloodshed. By Devesh Gupta (ANI)