Context

In a latest development, Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA)/Dimasa People’s Supreme Council (DPSC), an Assam-based insurgent group, signed a peace agreement with the State Government and the Centre.

What is in the agreement?

• Surrender and no violence: Under the agreement, the DNLA representatives have agreed to give up violence, surrender including the surrender of arms and ammunition, disband their armed organisation, vacate all camps occupied by DNLA cadres and join the mainstream.
  • As a result of this agreement, more than 168 armed cadres of DNLA surrendered with their weapons and joined the mainstream.
• Setting of Dimasa Welfare Council: Dimasa Welfare Council will be set up by the Government of Assam to protect, preserve and promote a social, cultural, and linguistic identity to meet political, economic and educational aspirations.
  • It will ensure speedy and focused development of the Dimasa people residing outside the jurisdiction of the Autonomous Council.
• It also provides for the appointment of a Commission under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India to examine the demand for the inclusion of additional villages contiguous to the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) with the Council.

Significance of the agreement

• End to insurgency: The agreement will bring a complete end to the insurgency in the Dima Hasao district of Assam.