New Delhi, Jan. 28 -- In a major step to usher in "permanent peace" in the region, the Centre and Assam Government on Monday signed a tripartite peace accord with the dreaded insurgent group National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and other militant outfits.

The accord signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised political and economic benefits while not acceding to the demand for separate State or Union Territory. The members of the armed outfits will surrender on January 30, Mahatma Gandhi's martyrdom day, as per the accord.

Soon after the agreement was signed at the Union Home Ministry in the afternoon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it would usher in a new dawn of peace, harmony and togetherness.

"Today ...