The Centre and the Tripura government on Wednesday signed a peace accord with two insurgent groups — the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) — in the national capital with an aim to end violence and bring peace in the northeastern state.

Terming the signing of the accord as a “milestone”, Union home minister Amit Shah said this would herald a new journey in Tripura towards peace and progress. Tripura chief minister Manik Saha and senior officials of the Union home ministry and the state government were also present during the signing of the memorandum of settlement with the representatives of the NLFT and the ATTF.

The two insurgent groups have agreed to end a 35-year-long conflict and return to the mainstream, renouncing violence and committing to building a prosperous and developed Tripura, Shah said.

“The Modi government is committed to the overall development of the Northeast, especially the tribal groups, through development while preserving their culture, language and identity,” the home minister said.

He said the Centre has given the highest priority to peace and development in the northeastern region and pointed out that under Modi’s leadership, the government has signed 12 important agreements to bring peace and prosperity in the region, of which three are related to Tripura.

“Nearly 10,000 people have given up arms and joined the mainstream because of these accords,” Shah said.

Highlighting that over 328 insurgents of the two groups will give up arms and join the mainstream, he said ₹250 crore has been approved for the development of the area of operation of the two insurgent groups, especially pockets dominated by tribals.

“The signing of this agreement is a major milestone in fulfilling the resolve taken by the Modi government to develop the entire Northeast,” he said, adding that the accord with the NLFT and the ATTF would be implemented in letter and spirit, fulfilling all
the expectations.