The National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) on Monday formally announced its dissolution after 34 years of armed struggle, paving its way for a political struggle in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri in the April polls.
The group, which was involved in the killing of hundreds of people over a bloody, decades-long campaign for a “Bodoland state”, ceased to exist at a ceremonial event at its Sonaigaon designated camp in Udalguri district.
NDFB top brass B. Saoraigwra and Dhiren Boro, who are believed to support the Hagrama Mohilary-led ruling Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), were present while NDFB (Progressive) leader Gobinda Basumatary, who recently joined the Pramod-Boro led United People’s Party Liberal, skipped the event. Ranjan Daimari, who is in jail, is also likely to back the BPF.
Sources said Basumatary will host a separate event in the coming days to dissolve the faction. Boro, also an NDFB (Progressive) leader, confirming the development, said, “From today, fears among all communities, including the Bodos, in the Bodo belt would fade away”.
Saoraigwra said rehabilitation of NDFB cadres was the group’s primary concern. He also said joining politics was necessary for true implementation of the Bodo pact.
