Assam Accord: Cautious Optimism
Asia News Agency
The peace accord signed between the Rajkhowa faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the Centre is both a ray of hope and a subject of scepticism, according to The Statesman. The agreement “promises to usher in peace and development, yet its contours raise questions that cannot be ignored.”
The agreement outlines ambitious promises.
A staggering investment of Rs 1.5 lakh crore, reserved assembly seats for indigenous people, and the declaration of Assam’s annual floods as a ‘national priority’ seem like positive steps toward addressing long standing issues. However, the observers in a state of cautious optimism. “The opposition’s cries of ‘political gimmick’ cannot be dismissed outright. The timing, just ahead of the 2024 parliamentary polls, raises eyebrows and fuels scepticism about the sincerity of the accord.”
No reference to the Assam Accord of 1985
The omission of any reference to the Assam Accord of 1985 “adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The 1985 accord was a pivotal agreement that sought to address the fallout of the Assam agitation, including the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants. Its absence in the recent pact leaves a void, and one cannot help but wonder about the implications of side-lining a historical document that played a crucial role in shaping Assam’s trajectory. The promise of reserved assembly seats for indigenous people, while commendable, invites scrutiny. The lack of clarity on the criteria for determining who qualifies as ‘indigenous’ leaves room for ambiguity and potential discontent. The parameters, aligned with the delimitation exercise carried out in 2023, add another layer of uncertainty, raising questions about the inclusivity of the process.”
Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)
The assurance related to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) deserves attention. The commitment to withhold its implementation in Assam until the Supreme Court’s final judgment on pending petitions reflects a cautious approach. However, writes The Statesman “this aspect underscores the legal complexities surrounding the CAA and its contentious nature, leaving Assam in a state of suspended anticipation……”
