Three National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) factions, led by B. Saoraigwra, Dhirendra Boro and Ranjan Daimari, are likely to back the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) led by Hagrama Mohilary in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) polls scheduled to be held in mid-April.

This assertion was made by People’s Joint Action Committee for Bodoland Movement convener Gorjon Mushahary at a peace meeting of the BPF and the PJACBM at Raimun in Gossaigaon subdivision of Kokrajhar district on Friday.

Mushahary did not name NDFB (Progressive) faction led by Gobinda Basumatary.

Mushahary claimed radical growth and development in the Bodo belt during the BPF regime and hoped that the party would sail rough waters to retain power for the fourth consecutive term.

Dhirendra Boro said, “The anti-talks factions of the NDFB joined the mainstream to ensure peace and development of the Bodo community but the struggle for the cause of the Bodo community will continue through participation in active politics. This will ensure that the clauses of the Bodo pact get implemented in letter and spirit.”

The PJACBM is a rights group that championed the demand for a separate Bodoland state. However, it was not a signatory to the new Bodo Accord signed between the Centre and Bodo stakeholders on January 27.

Absu appeal

The All Bodo Students Union (Absu) on Saturday demanded the release of Ranjan Daimari. It appealed to the Centre and the Assam government to consider releasing Daimari alias D.R. Nabla, a signatory to the new Bodo Accord, in adherence to the pact and for implementating the peace-building process.

The accord provides an opportunity to the NDFB leadership to join the mainstream after shunning the path of armed struggle.

Gobinda Basumatary had on Friday threatened to protest if Daimari’s bail is not extended by Gauhati High Court in its next hearing on February 25. Daimari is a prime accused in the 2008 serial blasts that killed about 80 people in Guwahati and lower Assam. He was released on four-week interim bail on January 24 to take part in the signing of the accord.