The signing of the third Bodo accord between the stakeholders, Centre and Assam government in New Delhi on Monday has been hailed across Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri districts of the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD).
The pact, which the leaders have termed an “inclusive’ one, involves the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), All Bodo Students’ Union (Absu) and United Bodo People’s Organisation (UBPO).
The Centre claims to have addressed the political, social, economic, cultural and identity-related aspirations of Bodo people barring the groups’ key demand of a separate Bodoland state.
The pact has been signed by six Bodo leaders, the four NDFB factions headed by Ranjan Daimari, Govinda Basumatary, Dhiren Boro and B. Saoraigwra, along with Absu president Pramod Boro and United Bodo People’s Organisation president Mihineswar Basumatary.
Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) council chief Hagrama Mohillary, Assam cabinet minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal were present as witnesses.
The Bodo stakeholders appear to be satisfied with the grant of autonomy to the council.
Jubilant people took out a rally in Tangla town of Udalguri district and Kokrajhar town in Kokrajhar district, bursting crackers and shouting slogans in support of the BJP, Absu and NDFB leaders.
Pramod Boro said, “We have accepted the approach of the Union and state government and signed the Accord. We firmly believe that if the clauses of the Accord are followed in letter and spirit, the region will witness rapid growth and development.”
NDFB founder chairman Ranjan Daimari said, “It is a historic day for us. We have been waiting for it for the last 34 years and we believe it will usher a new era of peace harmony and development.”
Bodo people celebrate in Kokrajhar on Monday. Picture by UB Photos
NDFB (Progressive) chairman Govindo Basumatary said, “If the government sincerely fulfils its promises, every community residing in the region will be benefited.”
Educationist and former principal of Kokrajhar Government College, Surat Narzary, said, “We are elated that the insurgency problem has come to a peaceful conclusion and all Bodo stakeholders have joined hands so that peace returns in totality.”
Coordination Committee for Tribal Organizations of Assam (CCTOA) general secretary Aditya Khaklari said, “We have high hopes that peace and tranquillity will return in the region and witness progress, growth and development.”
Absu education secretary Kastom Basumatary said, “We have been democratically carrying out protests for long. The Accord comes as good news not only for the Bodo belt but also Assam.”
Kenny Basumatary, Bollywood actor and a prominent Assamese filmmaker from the Bodo community, said, “I hope that not just a few rich contractors, development of everyone happens. I wish peace and growth continue in the region.”
Vocalist Jiten Basumatary hoped that creation of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) will bring in development and create jobs. “It is really good news that medical colleges, universities and other such centres will be set up in the region. These will help students get better education and create jobs. All people living in these areas will be benefited,” he said.
Additional reporting by PTI
