‘Congress Mocked Bodo Accord, But It Brought Peace’: Shah In Assam Assures Full Implementation In 2 Years
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Peace Agreement for restoring peace and progress, recalling the Congress's criticism.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday lauded the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Peace Agreement, stating that it has brought peace and development to the region despite initial criticism from the Congress party. Addressing the 57th Annual Conference of the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) at Bodofa Fwthar, Dotma, in Assam’s Kokrajhar, Shah assured that the Centre would implement 100 per cent of the accord’s conditions within the next two years.
“This event is a message of the peace established in Bodoland. I still remember on January 27, 2020, when the BTR Peace Agreement was signed, the Congress party mocked me, saying there would never be peace in Bodoland and that the agreement would become a joke. But today, the Assam government and the Centre have implemented almost 82 per cent of this agreement’s conditions,” Shah said, as quoted by news agency ANI. “The Modi government will implement 100 per cent of the agreement conditions in the next two years. After that, there will be long-lasting peace in the BTR area,” he added.
Highlighting the progress made since the peace accord, Shah noted that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was removed from the entire Bodoland region on April 1, 2022. He also underscored economic and cultural advancements, citing Bodoland’s inclusion in the One District One Product initiative and its role in hosting the Durand Cup. “Today, in Delhi’s hotels, Kokrajhar’s mushrooms from Bodoland have become a part of everyone’s cuisine under One District One Product; this has happened because there is peace here,” he said.
2036 Olympics To Be Held In Ahmedabad, Bodoland's Young Players Should Prepare To Participate: Shah
Amit Shah further said, “In 2036, the Olympics are going to be held in Ahmedabad. The young players of Bodoland should prepare to participate in the Olympics. More than a dozen products from the region have received GI tags, contributing to an industrial boom in BTR.”
As a tribute to former ABSU President Upendranath Brahma, Shah announced that a major road in Delhi would be named after him. The event is scheduled for April 1 in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other state leaders. Acknowledging ABSU’s role in the peace process, Shah stated, “If ABSU hadn’t played a key role, then there wouldn’t be peace in Bodoland. I extend my gratitude to the members of ABSU. I pay my tribute to the 5,000 martyrs who lost their lives for the establishment of peace in Bodoland.”
Expressing pride in ABSU’s contributions, Shah commended its focus on education, empowerment, and development. “Classes and exams are now conducted in the Bodo language up to Class 12. This move doesn’t just include the Bodo language in the list of scheduled languages but also ensures its preservation for future generations,” he said.
The event, attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Pramod Boro, featured discussions, competitions, and celebrations of ABSU’s legacy. The four-day conference, set to conclude on March 16, serves as a crucial platform for promoting academic excellence, leadership, and cultural identity.
Top Headlines
