The Assam Accord is a historic agreement signed on 15th August 1985 between the Government of India and leaders of the Assam Movement, which was led by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and All All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP). The accord was signed in New Delhi in the presence of then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Between 1979 and 1985, Assam witnessed a massive people’s movement known as the Assam Agitation, protesting against the large-scale illegal immigration from Bangladesh (then East Pakistan and later Bangladesh). Locals feared a threat to their identity, culture, language, and rights.
What Was the Assam Accord?
The Assam Accord was a peace agreement that marked the end of the 6-year-long agitation and laid down the framework for:
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Detection and deportation of illegal migrants
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Protection of Assamese identity, heritage, and culture
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Economic development and infrastructure support for the state
Key Provisions of the Assam Accord:
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All foreigners who came to Assam after March 25, 1971, would be detected and deported.
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Foreigners who entered between 1966 and 1971 would be identified and allowed to stay but denied voting rights for 10 years.
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Those who entered before 1966 would be granted citizenship.
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Constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards would be provided to protect Assamese culture and language.
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Assam would be given priority in economic development and employment opportunities.
Why Is It Historic?
The Assam Accord is considered historic because it brought peace to a volatile situation, acknowledged the identity crisis faced by indigenous Assamese people, and laid the foundation for policy changes related to immigration and regional autonomy.
Conclusion:
The Assam Accord of 1985 was more than just an agreement—it was a turning point in the socio-political history of Assam. It aimed to protect the rights of the native population while balancing national integrity. Though its full implementation remains a challenge, it continues to shape Assam’s political discourse today.
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