DHAKA, Dec 2: A long cherished peace accord was signed here today between the government and rebel tribal leaders, ending the 25-year-old insurgency in Bangladesh's southeastern Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). The historic agreement was signed by tribal leader Jyotindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Shantu Larma and chief government negotiator Abdul Hasnat Abdullah in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

A jubilant Sheikh Hasina said, ``I'm extremely delighted as permanent peace will be restored in the hill tracts with the signing of this historic agreement, which will protect the constitutional rights of the tribal people.''

The agreement would end the armed insurgency of tribal guerrillas who had fought for regional autonomy in CHT, comprising three hill districts of Khagracchari, Bandarban and Rangamat, bordering the Indian state of Tripura.

It would also expedite the repatriation of about 40,000 Chakma refugees from the refugee camps in Tripura. The peace agreement, which will ensure the rights of tribal people in the CHT, came after hectic negotiations for the past six days at the seventh round of meeting held at the state guest house.

``I'm happy...I hope a lasting peace will be established in the hill tracts,'' a smiling tribal leader Shantu Larma said immediately after the signing of the accord. He said the tribal guerrillas would soon return to normal life and engage in developmental activities in the hill tracts. To another question whether the guerrillas would surrender their arms, Larma said ``it was quite obvious'' that they would give up their weapons.

The prime minister urged the opposition parties to cooperate with the government in restoring peace in the hill tracts. Sheikh Hasina also asked the people not to pay any attention to provocations by interested quarters. Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad said the agreement was signed to bring back peace in the CHT. Army Chief Lt General Mahbubur Rahman said it was a great event and that permanent peace was going to be established.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.