The Indonesian government and the Acehnese rebels known as the Gam have signed a deal ending a three-decade struggle for Acehnese independence. Under the agreement, the rebels will disarm and be allowed to form a local political party. Rebels will also be given amnesty, money and farmland in order to ease the transition into civilian life. Indonesia in turn will withdraw some its troops from Aceh. But Indonesia is reserving the right to return troops to the region. The government has also agreed to release some Acehnese political prisoners. Over the past decade the Indonesian military has killed thousands of Acehnese civilians.