By: Ankur Kalita
September 4, 2021, marked the way for long-lasting peace in Assam, particularly in Karbi Anglong. It was, on this day, that a tripartite agreement among six insurgent groups, the union, and the state government was signed to end years of violence. This agreement which is known as the Karbi Peace Accord 2021 was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister of Assam Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, and the leaders of the insurgent groups, among other dignitaries.
I was working as an intern in an English newspaper in Delhi. I had a huge responsibility, being a budding journalist myself to note down and project any important statement. After having signed the historic agreement, the Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma along with other leaders interacted with the media to let the world know of the day’s highlight. He stated, “It is a historic day as these insurgent groups will now join the mainstream and will work for the development of Karbi Anglong.” I, young and naïve, could but only gauge the limit of what he said then. Thinking “development” is what we all strive for – after all. But development is a wide and great word that has infinite interpretations. What did our Chief Minister mean by it then? Was it development for oneself, for his state or maybe he was just ecstatic thinking that finally together they could achieve so much more!
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Now, coming back to the accord, the armed groups were supposed to shun their path of violence, surrender their weapons and disband their organizations, and similarly, the government had to work for the holistic development of its surroundings. The Government of Assam is working considerably to notify Karbi as an official language of KAAC. Having said this, other forms of language such as English, Hindi, and Assamese shall continue to be used of free will. Language is but just a form of communication. The union government has also assured to allocate INR 500 crore for the development of Karbi Anglong. Further, it has promised to look into and withdraw non-heinous cases filed against the armed groups by the law. However, the call for heinous cases must be taken on a case-to-case basis.
I remember the day, as it was a historic day for me as well. This was the first time I had the opportunity to enter one of the seats of administration in our country – the North Block. There could not have been a better day for the same events to unfold as a Peace Accord was being signed and was part of this historic event. The news is probably, one of the best for the people of Karbi Anglong, the state, and the whole country as peace is finally here. After his interaction with the media, it was the ritualistic pictures, and then was the time to celebrate. And I must say, it was not Karbi Anglong alone who celebrated that day. Assam, Northeast, India, and the whole world somehow connected to that vibe and were one in their moment of peace.
I remember, the statement of leaders who were excited to get involved in the development of their region with the Chief Minister leading from the front. The insurgent members who surrendered and signed in the agreement showed and bestowed their faith on the government both at the state and Center and thanked the Chief Minister of Assam for paving the way for a healthier and more meaningful development through peace.
Many of my friends called me and asked me about the proceedings of the day. I remember happily answering all of them. It was happiness, I suppose, seeing the faith, hope, and love in people. It’s just an experience I am sharing with the readers with a message of faith.
But the work has just started. The chief minister and the insurgent groups along with the rest of us will have to work on the things we signed for. Peace cannot just come or development is asked for – if we do not work for it. The accord was signed on September 4 last year and we still pin our hopes on the leaders whom I saw that day. Hope they have not forgotten about their commitment to us, our land, and our humanity!
