A major step toward lasting peace and inclusive development in Assam was marked with the signing of Memoranda of Settlement (MoS) between the Government of Assam and several armed groups belonging to the Kuki and Hmar communities. The agreements aim to bring the groups into the democratic mainstream and initiate targeted development measures in areas inhabited by the two communities.
The development was highlighted by Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, who described the agreement as a historic milestone achieved under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. In a post on the social media platform X, Pegu said the peace agreements would pave the way for long-term stability and socio-economic progress in the state.
Formation of Welfare and Development Councils
The agreements provide for the creation of two dedicated bodies — the Kuki Welfare and Development Council (KWDC) and the Hmar Welfare and Development Council (HWDC). These councils will focus on promoting the socio-economic, cultural and educational development of the Kuki and Hmar communities in Assam.
Both councils will be headquartered in Guwahati and will include positions such as chairman, deputy chairman, chief executive member, executive members and general members, along with nominees from the state government. Budgetary provisions will be allocated for the councils, enabling them to prepare development proposals which will be submitted to the Transformation and Development Department for approval.
Officials said the councils are expected to implement schemes aimed at improving infrastructure, education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities in Kuki and Hmar dominated areas while also protecting their cultural, linguistic and ethnic identity.
Armed Groups Join Democratic Process
The MoS was signed with three Kuki groups — the United Kukigam Defence Army (UKDA), Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) and Kuki Liberation Organization / Kuki Liberation Army (KLO/KLA) — as well as the Hmar armed group Hmar Peoples’ Convention (Democratic).
These organisations had earlier laid down arms in 2012 in the presence of the Union and state leadership, after which Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements were signed with the government. Over the years, multiple rounds of tripartite talks were held to address the concerns and demands of the groups through dialogue.
According to officials, the latest agreements formalise the peace process and integrate members of the organisations into the democratic framework.
Rehabilitation and Support Measures
As part of the settlement, the state government will undertake rehabilitation measures for former militants following established procedures. This includes assistance to help them reintegrate into society through livelihood opportunities and support programmes.
In addition, the families of cadres who lost their lives during the armed struggle will receive financial assistance from the government in the form of ex-gratia compensation.
Authorities said these measures are aimed at ensuring that former militants can rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.
Part of Broader Peace Initiatives
The agreements form part of a broader peace-building initiative undertaken jointly by the Government of India and the Government of Assam in recent years.
During this period, several insurgent groups across the state have signed peace accords with the government, including organisations representing Bodo, Karbi, Adivasi and other communities, as well as groups such as the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA).
Officials said that through these agreements more than 9,000 former militants have been rehabilitated. As part of the peace process, insurgent groups also surrendered a large cache of weapons, including 1,012 firearms, over 25,000 rounds of ammunition and dozens of grenades.
Authorities believe the latest MoS with Kuki and Hmar groups represents another crucial step toward ending ethnic militancy in Assam.
Administrative and Legislative Support
The agreement on behalf of the state government was signed by Ajay Tewari, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Political Department.
The initiative also complements earlier legislative measures taken by the state government to ensure representation and development of various ethnic communities. In November 2025, the Assam Assembly passed a bill to establish the Karbi Welfare Autonomous Council for Karbi people residing outside the jurisdiction of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.
That bill was introduced in the Assembly by Education Minister Ranoj Pegu as part of the government’s broader effort to create institutional mechanisms for community welfare and development.
Toward Inclusive Development
State leaders said the new agreements reinforce the government’s commitment to inclusive governance, peace and development across Assam.
With the signing of the MoS with Kuki and Hmar groups, officials expressed optimism that the remaining pockets of ethnic militancy in the state will gradually come to an end, allowing communities to focus on development, stability and long-term prosperity.
