Two Meghalaya insurgent groups sign peace pact

Two insurgent groups of Meghalaya today signed a peace pact with the government promising to end violence and help bringing normalcy to the northeastern state by surrendering arms.
The memorandum of settlement was signed by chief of the outlawed Achik National Volunteers Council (ANVC) Bilash Marak and the head of the breakaway faction of the ANVC Rimpu Marak with the representatives of the central and state governments.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Mukul Sangma and Home Minister of Meghalaya Roshan Warjri were present when the pact was signed.
According to the agreement, both the groups will be disbanded within three months and their cadres will surrender arms and ammunition to the authorities.

The government has agreed to give more powers to the autonomous district council under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution in the Garo hills region of Meghalaya.
Garo language will also be considered as an official language of the state, official sources said.

The agreement provides for enhanced autonomy for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council in Meghalaya and also a special package for speedier socio-economic and educational development of the area for which the council had been set up.
Singh said in the years to come, this will change the face of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council area in all spheres.

Chief Minister Sangma described the signing of the tripartite agreement as a "historic occasion" and said it was a strong message to other insurgent groups in the northeast, particularly in Meghalaya, to come to the negotiating table and look for sustainable living.
The Centre is also expected to offer a rehabilitation package to the surrendered militants.