New Delhi: The Centre and the Assam government signed a 'tripartite Memorandum of Settlement' with the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday.

The deal is intended to bring lasting peace in the North East region, especially in Assam.

Meanwhile, the ULFA (Independent) faction led by Paresh Baruah remains opposed to talks.

Speaking after signing the deal, the Union Home Minister said "This is a new start of a period of peace for the whole Northeast, especially Assam".

"I want to assure ULFA representatives that the faith you have kept in the government of India, from the side of the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA), a programme will be made in a time-bound manner to fulfill everything, without you asking for it," Shah said.

The Minister said, "Under MHA, a committee will be formed, which will work with the Assam government to fulfill this agreement".

He said, "In the last five years, nine accords related to peace and borders were signed which have brought peace in the North-Eastern region..adding that over nine thousand cadres of insurgent groups have surrendered.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who was also present called the peace deal a historic day for Assam.

"During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure and under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah work for Assam's peace was always underway" he added.

The Chief Minister said three accords have been signed and the move will fulfill the aspirations of the people of the state.

The peace deal with the oldest insurgent group of Assam aims to address issues such as illegal immigration, land rights for indigenous communities, and a financial package for Assam's development.

(With UNI inputs)