Asia

Bodo outfits drop demand for separate state, sign historic pact

NEW DELHI/ GUWAHATI: A tripartite accord signed on Monday between the Centre, Assam government and Bodo representatives, including all factions of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) that has waged a violent struggle, holds out prospects for peace with all sides reaffirming faith in Assams territorial integrity.
The pact, described as “historic” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, provides for setting up of a commission to reconstitute the Bodo Territorial Areas District (BTAD) by including new Bodo-dominated villages contiguous to the existing BTAD area and excluding villages with a predominantly non-tribal population. BTAD will be rechristened as Bodo Territorial Region. Bodo language will be notified as an associate official language in Assam.

Over 1,500 NDFB cadres will shun the path of violence, surrender arms coinciding with Mahatma Gandhis death anniversary on January 30 and disband their armed organisations within the next one month. A Rs 5-lakh compensation is being offered to the kin of Bodo rebels martyred in their violent struggle. The surrendered cadres too will get a rehabilitation package. This is the third Bodo agreement to date, but seen as viable due to armed factions agreeing to be party to the settlement.

Cases against NDFB cadres involving non-heinous crimes will be withdrawn by the Assam government, while cases involving more serious offences will be reviewed on a case-to-case basis. The total number of assembly seats in BTC will go up to 60 from 40, though this will be relevant only from 2026 assembly polls.
It has been agreed that a Rs 1,500 crore economic package shall be released over the next three years for Bodo areas, with the Centre and Assam government contributing equal measure. Deputy commissioners and SPs of districts within BTAD will be posted in consultation with BTAD chief executive member.
Signatories to the accord — signed in the presence of home minister Amit Shah, Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma — included Bodo Territorial Council (BTC) chief executive member Hagrama Mohilary, representatives of All Bodo Students Union (ABSU), United Boro People Organisation (UBPO) and leaders of NDFB factions headed by Gobinda Basumatary, Dhirendra Boro, Ranjan Daimary and B Saoraigwra.
In a series of tweets after signing of the accord, Modi said: “Bodo Accord inked today (Monday) stands out for many reasons. It successfully brings together leading stakeholders under one framework. Those who were previously associated wiRead More – Source

[contf]
[contfnew]

times of india

[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]

Related Articles

Asia

Joshua Wong and fellow activists plead guilty in Hong Kong protests trial

bbc– Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong and two fellow campaigners are...

Asia

Works worth Rs 1,559 cr completed in Bihar out of PM s package of Rs 1.25 lakh cr: Congress

PATNA: Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala on Tuesday claimed that works worth...

Asia

Ex-Trump fundraiser pleads guilty to illicit lobbying on 1MDB, China

WASHINGTON: A former top fundraiser for President Donald Trump pleaded guilty Tuesday...

Asia

Covid: Delhi more “open” than Mumbai

NEW DELHI: With Unlock 5.0 underway from October 15, more businesses and...