TURA, DEC 18: The United A’chik Liberation Army (UALA) on Friday inked the “agreed text of settlement” with Meghalaya government in the presence of chief minister Mukul Sangma and home minister Roshan Warjri.
The agreement was signed at a ceremony held at circuit house Tura.
The chairman of UALA Novembirth Marak alias Chiindik and general secretary Nagra D. Shira signed the agreement on behalf of the outfit.
The government representatives were commissioner of division of Garo hills Peter Ingty and commissioner and secretary political department J Lyngdoh.
Mukul termed the signing of the agreement as “historic” as it will pave way for other militant outfits to shun violence and follow suit. “We have to speed up verification process and prepare a calendar of action plan, so that it will send out a positive vibe to the other outfits”, he explained.
In 2012, the outfit was formed with a demand for separate Garoland.
“The signing of the agreement is a long drawn effort of all concern. UALA has demonstrated their serious intention to partner with the government for overall peace and tranquility to prevail in the region”, the chief minister said.
He also urged other outfits including Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) and Hyniewtrep National Liberation Army (HNLC) to stop all illegal activities and come forward for a dialogue.
The chief minister reminded that the government would provide six months’ time frame for all outfits to respond to the call of the people and come overground and avail benefits rolled out by the government.
“Our people can be insulated only if we generate hope. When people lose hope they can become vulnerable”, he said exhorting all concern to be prepared to work for the growth and prosperity of the state.
While thanking the interlocutors, the chief minister said, “They (interlocutors) should continue with their tasks to bring other militant outfits to the negotiating table. The UALA lesson will send out a positive message for other organisations”.
Speaking at the ceremony, Roshan Warjri said, “For the socio economic development and peace in Garo hills and the state, it is a very happy moment. I am confident that the provisions of the agreement will be abided by the members of the UALA and also by the government”.
The home minister assured that the provisions of the text agreement would be adhered by the government. “We need to partner with the government in improving the socio economic condition of the people”, Warjri added.
Meghalaya chief secretary PBO Warjri said, “We will facilitate all necessary procedures to rehabilitate the cadres of UALA”. The government will release Rs. 2.5 lakh each to the cadres.
The chairman of UALA Novembirth Marak said, “We responded to chief ministers appeal and decided to come forward for peace. We appeal to other outfits to come forward and hold discussion with the government”.
The commander-in-chief of the outfit Norok X. Momin was absent during the ceremony. Novembirth said, “Norok is not well, however he will be present during the arms laying down ceremony. He is very much for peace”.
The outfit has strength of over 71 cadres.
The outfit began its dialogue with the government in February last year. In last one and a half year, at least four round table discussions were held.
The general secretary of A’chik Baptist Dalgipa Krima Rev Janang R. Sangma and pastor of Hawakhana church Rev Frithing D. Sangma were non-official interlocutors. While commissioner and secretary Education department EP Kharbhih was official government interlocutor, who were instrumental in bringing the outfit to the negotiating table.-From Our Correspondent
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