Union Home Minister Amit Shah has hailed the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Peace Agreement, lauding its success in bringing peace and development to the region. Addressing the 57th Annual Conference of the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) in Kokrajhar, Assam, Shah expressed his commitment to implementing 100% of the accord’s conditions within the next two years.
Shah did not forget to mention the initial criticism from the Congress party, which had mocked the agreement in 2020, calling it a joke. However, he pointed out that the Assam government and the Centre have implemented almost 82% of the agreement’s conditions, a testament to the region’s newfound peace. The Minister reiterated the Centre’s commitment to completing the remaining conditions, promising long-lasting peace in the BTR area.
The Minister highlighted the progress made since the peace accord, mentioning the removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the entire Bodoland region on April 1, 2022. He also showcased the region’s economic and cultural advancements, such as its 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,” Shah said.
Shah also encouraged young athletes from Bodoland to prepare for the 2036 Olympics, scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad. He mentioned that more than a dozen products from the region have received GI tags, contributing to an industrial boom in BTR. At the same event, the Minister announced that a major road in Delhi would be named after former ABSU President Upendranath Brahma, who played a key role in the peace process.
Shah acknowledged the ABSU’s crucial role in the peace process, expressing his gratitude to the members and paying tribute to the 5,000 martyrs who lost their lives for the establishment of peace in Bodoland. He commended ABSU’s focus on education, empowerment, and development, highlighting the Bodo language’s inclusion in the curriculum up to Class 12. “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, Bodoland Territorial Council Chief Pramod Boro, and other leaders, 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.
