Guwahati: A delegation from the All-Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU), accompanied by Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief Pramod Boro and Members of Parliament Rwngwra Narzary and Joyanta Basumatary, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Parliament House in New Delhi to deliberate on key issues surrounding the implementation of the Bodo Peace Accord 2020.
The delegation highlighted the critical importance of promptly executing the provisions of the landmark Accord, which aims to bring lasting peace and development to the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) and its adjoining areas. Timely action, they stressed, is pivotal for fulfilling the Accord’s promises.
Led by ABSU president Dipen Boro, the delegation also extended an invitation to the Union Home Minister to attend ABSU’s 57th Annual Conference in Dotoma, Kokrajhar, next February as the chief guest.
Proposal to Honour Bodofa Upendranath Brahma
A significant proposal put forth during the meeting was to name a prominent road or flyover in New Delhi as “Bodofa Marg” or “UN Brahma Marg” in honour of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma. The delegation underscored that such a gesture would not only commemorate Brahma’s contributions to the Bodo community and the nation but also signify national recognition of his visionary leadership.
Call for Constitutional Amendments and Tribal Status
The delegation pressed for the passage of the 125th Amendment to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which would bolster the financial and administrative powers of the BTR and other tribal regions. This amendment, they emphasised, is essential for improving governance and accelerating infrastructure development in Sixth Schedule areas.
Additionally, they called for granting Scheduled Tribe (Hills) status to the Bodo Kachari community in Karbi Anglong, as stipulated in the Accord.
Focus on Development Projects
The delegation stressed the need to lay the groundwork for establishing a central institute and initiating infrastructure development projects promised in the Accord. They urged the Centre to release the Rs 750 crore special package earmarked for these purposes to expedite regional development.
Rehabilitation of Former NDFB Cadres
Addressing the issue of former NDFB cadres, the delegation appealed for their release from prison and the withdrawal of pending cases against them. Rehabilitation programmes and ex-gratia support for the families of martyrs were also proposed as crucial steps towards reconciliation and sustained peace in the region.
“The discussions were highly productive, with a strong focus on actionable outcomes. The proposals presented are expected to pave the way for enhanced development, peace, and harmony in the Bodoland Territorial Region,” said ABSU president Dipen Boro.
BTC Delegation Meets Skill Development Minister
Separately, BTC Chief Executive Member Pramod Boro, along with BTC Executive Member Wilson Hasda, met Jayant Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
During the meeting, Boro outlined various initiatives undertaken by the BTC government to enhance skill development and entrepreneurship in the BTR. He emphasised the need to equip the region’s youth with employable skills to ensure sustainable growth and self-reliance.
The Union Minister expressed his support for strengthening the skill development framework in BTR, a collaboration expected to significantly boost youth empowerment and employment opportunities in the region.
This high-level engagement reflects a renewed commitment to the Bodo Peace Accord’s objectives and the ongoing development of the Bodoland Territorial Region.
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