DNLA Peace Agreement with Assam Government and the Centre

• 28 Apr 2023

On April 27, 2023, the Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA)/ Dimasa People's Supreme Council (DPSC), an insurgent group operating in the Dima Hasao district of Assam, signed a peace agreement with the state Government and the Centre.

• Under the agreement, the DNLA representatives have agreed to give up violence, surrender their arms and ammunition, disband their armed organization, 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.
• The MoU also provides for the appointment of a Commission to examine the demand for the inclusion of additional villages contiguous to the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) with the Council.
• The agreement includes necessary measures to be taken by the Government of India and the Government of Assam to rehabilitate the surrendered armed cadres of DNLA.
• A Special Development package of ₹500 crore each will also be provided by the Government of India and Government of Assam over a period of five years for all-round development of NCHAC as well as Dimasa people residing in other parts of the State.
• The DNLA was established in April 2019, seeking a sovereign territory for the Dimasa tribals and launched an armed insurgency to achieve its goal.
• The DNLA had declared a unilateral ceasefire in September 2021 for a period of six months following an appeal by the Chief Minister, which has been extended since then.