Guwahati, Mar 16: Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the Modi government’s commitment to fully implementing the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Peace Accord within the next two years. Addressing the 57th annual conference of the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) in Kokrajhar, Shah lauded ABSU’s role in establishing peace and development in Bodoland.
In recognition of Bodo leader Upendra Nath Brahma’s contributions, Shah announced that a prominent road in Delhi would be named after him as Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma Marg. Additionally, a bust of the revered leader will be unveiled in Delhi in early April. Shah emphasized that the Modi government is committed to realizing Brahma’s vision for Bodoland.
Shah highlighted the government’s success in implementing 82% of the BTR Peace Accord, signed on January 27, 2020, despite initial scepticism from opposition parties. He assured that the remaining commitments would be fulfilled within two years, ensuring lasting peace in the region.
He also pointed out that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was removed from the entire BTR area on April 1, 2022, as part of the peace agreement.
Shah praised the economic progress in Bodoland, citing the inclusion of Kokrajhar’s Mushroom from Bodoland in Delhi hotel menus under the ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) initiative.
He also noted that Bodoland successfully hosted the Durand Cup, a testament to the peace restored in the region. Highlighting industrial growth, he mentioned that over a dozen Bodoland products have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, boosting local industries. Once known for unrest, Bodoland is now a hub of education, development, and industry.
The Modi government and the Assam government have allocated ₹1,500 crore for Bodoland’s development, despite its relatively small population of 3.5 million. Shah recalled that during former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, the Bodo language was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and the BTR region was expanded by incorporating parts of Sonitpur and Biswanath districts.
Shah also emphasized efforts to integrate former insurgents into society. He noted that ₹287 crore has been spent on rehabilitating 4,881 members of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), with 90% of the funds provided by the Modi government. Additionally, 400 Bodo youths have been recruited into the Assam Commando Battalion.
Shah encouraged Bodo youth to prepare for the 2036 Olympics, expressing confidence in their potential. He highlighted the investment summit led by PM Modi and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, which is set to bring ₹5 lakh crore to Assam, further boosting employment opportunities.
The Home Minister concluded by emphasizing that Bodoland is now a symbol of peace, development, and national unity. “Where once bullets were fired, today, Bodo youth wave the tricolour,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to Bodoland’s prosperity.
CM reaffirms commitment to Bodoland’s growth
Speaking at the event, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reiterated the government’s dedication to Bodoland’s development. “The Bodo community has always been an integral part of Assam’s rich cultural heritage. We are committed to fulfilling Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma’s vision by strengthening education and infrastructure in the region.
Several new institutions, including universities, are being set up, and a medical college will be established in Kokrajhar within the next three years. Additionally, 35 higher secondary schools have been sanctioned for Bodoland.”
Sarma also announced that Bodofa’s birth anniversary is being observed with due reverence, and his legacy will be honoured further by recognizing outstanding Bodo achievers with state awards on his death anniversary.
He emphasized the government’s focus on policies that ensure long-term benefits, such as employment initiatives and infrastructural upgrades. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, we are committed to fostering peace, harmony, and sustainable development in the BTR region,” he added.
In his address, ABSU President Dipen Boro underlined the importance of the discussions held over the past four days. “These deliberations have helped us identify key challenges and opportunities for progress. The resolutions we have adopted will guide our initiatives in the coming years. Our priority now is to translate these discussions into actionable steps, ensuring their effective implementation.
ABSU remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the rights, education, and overall development of our community. Strengthening our institutions and policies will empower future generations,” he said.
BTR Chief Pramod Boro emphasized the need for self-reliance and economic growth. “A progressive Bodoland depends on investment in education, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure. Strengthening the region’s economic foundation is key to long-term prosperity.
This conference has reinforced our collective goal of building a self-sustaining and thriving Bodoland. We will continue to create opportunities for our youth and accelerate the region’s development,” he stated.
The final day of the conference featured a marathon race, followed by a cultural rally promoting peace and unity, flagged off by Bijitgiri Basumatary, General Secretary of Dularai Boro Harimu Afad. The open session at noon was presided over by ABSU president Dipen Boro.
Prominent attendees included Minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma, Dr. Surath Narzary (President of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha), Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, and Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, among others.
