State PCS - Assam (APSC)

• 19 Mar 2026

Assam Signs Peace Settlement with Kuki and Hmar Groups

Why in News? 

The Government of Assam has signed Memorandums of Settlement (MoS) with three Kuki militant groups and one Hmar outfit to promote peace and stability in the region. The agreements were facilitated by the Ministry of Home Affairs as part of ongoing efforts to resolve insurgency in Northeast India. 

Key Points: 

• Peace Agreements Signed: The MoS were signed between Government of India, Government of Assam and representatives of Kuki and Hmar militant groups 
• Groups Involved: The pact involves three Kuki groups and the Hmar People’s Convention–Democratic (HPC-D). 
• Welfare Councils: To foster development, the pacts establish the Kuki Welfare and Development Council (KWDC) and the Hmar Welfare and Development Council (HWDC), with headquarters in Guwahati. 
• Focus Areas: These councils aim to drive socio-economic, cultural, and educational development for their respective communities, particularly in districts like Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao. 
• Support: The state government will provide budgetary support for infrastructure, health, and livelihood projects. 
• Integration: The agreement includes provisions for the rehabilitation of former cadres and financial support for affected families. 
• Background: These groups have been under a Suspension of Operations (SoO) since 2012 following the laying down of arms.

IIT Guwahati Leads Northeast–Japan Academic Consortium

Why in News? 

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has taken the lead in establishing a Northeast India–Japan International Academic and Research Consortium, with 22 institutions from the Northeast region signing a Letter of Intent (LoI) to strengthen academic, research, and industry collaboration between India and Japan. 

Key Points: 

• Letter of Intent (LoI): The participating institutions signed an LoI during the Japan–North East Region Academia–Industry Cooperation Symposium 2026 (JNTCS) 2026. 
  • The consortium brings together educational and research institutions from Northeast India and counterparts in Japan to address global challenges. 
  • The bilateral cooperation was jointly organised by IIT Guwahati and Gifu University (Japan), enabling academic, research, and industry stakeholders to interact. 
• Focus Areas: The collaboration will cover diverse fields including science, technology, medicine, sustainable energy, environment, healthcare, and clean water research, aiming to produce joint solutions to international issues. 
• Academic Exchanges: Under the consortium framework, about 5,000 students from Northeast India are expected to participate in exchange programmes with Japanese institutions over the next five years, and vice versa for Japanese students. 
  • The consortium includes a mix of technical institutes, universities, and research organisations from states across Northeast India, fostering inclusive regional participation. 
• Strategic Importance: Japan has identified Northeast India as a key strategic region for academic collaboration under its Inter‑University Exchange Project. 
• Impact: The initiative is expected to enhance global exposure, research output, and employability opportunities for students and researchers from the Northeast region, while strengthening Indo‑Japan educational ties. 

Read More: Indo‑Japan Relation, Northeast India