Modi Govt to ensure 100% implementation of BTR peace accord in two years: Amit Shah at 57th ABSU conference

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 16, 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the Modi government’s commitment to fully implementing the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Peace Accord within the next two years. Addressing the 57th annual conference of the All-Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) in Kokrajhar, Shah praised ABSU’s role in fostering peace and development in the region.

In recognition of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma’s contributions, Shah announced that a major road in Delhi would be named Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma Marg. Additionally, a bust of the revered Bodo leader will be unveiled in Delhi in early April. He emphasized the government’s commitment to fulfilling Brahma’s vision for Bodoland.

Shah highlighted that 82% of the BTR Peace Accord, signed on January 27, 2020, has already been implemented, despite initial opposition skepticism. He assured that the remaining commitments would be fulfilled within two years, ensuring lasting peace. He also noted that the removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from BTR on April 1, 2022, was a key step in this process.

Shah praised Bodoland’s economic progress, citing the inclusion of Kokrajhar’s Mushroom from Bodoland in Delhi hotel menus under the One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative. He also pointed to Bodoland successfully hosting the Durand Cup, a sign of the region’s restored peace.

Over a dozen Bodoland products have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, boosting local industries. Once a region marred by unrest, Bodoland is now a center for education, development, and industry.

The Modi government and the Assam government have allocated Rs 1,500 crore for Bodoland’s development, despite its population of just 3.5 million. Shah recalled that during former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, the Bodo language was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and the BTR region was expanded by incorporating parts of Sonitpur and Biswanath districts.

Shah stressed the government’s commitment to integrating former insurgents into society. He highlighted that Rs 287 crore has been spent on rehabilitating 4,881 members of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), with 90% of the funds provided by the Modi government. Additionally, 400 Bodo youths have been recruited into the Assam Commando Battalion.

Encouraging young athletes, Shah urged Bodo youth to prepare for the 2036 Olympics. He also highlighted the Modi-led investment summit, which is expected to bring Rs 5 lakh crore to Assam, creating new job opportunities.

Shah concluded by emphasizing that Bodoland is now a beacon of peace, progress, and national unity. “Where once bullets were fired, today, Bodo youth wave the tricolor,” he declared.

Speaking at the event, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reiterated the state government’s commitment to Bodoland’s progress. “The Bodo community has always been an integral part of Assam’s diverse cultural heritage. We are dedicated to realizing Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma’s vision by strengthening education and infrastructure,” he said.

He announced plans to establish several new universities and a medical college in Kokrajhar within the next three years. Additionally, 35 higher secondary schools have been sanctioned for Bodoland. Sarma also stated that Bodofa’s birth anniversary would be observed with due reverence, and Bodo achievers would be honored with state awards on his death anniversary.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, we are committed to fostering peace, harmony, and sustainable development in the BTR region,” Sarma added.

ABSU President Dipen Boro highlighted the significance of the conference’s deliberations over the past four days. “We have identified key challenges and opportunities for progress. The resolutions we have adopted will guide our initiatives in the coming years. Our focus now is to turn discussions into action and continue advocating for the rights, education, and development of our community,” he said.

BTR Chief Pramod Boro underscored the need for self-reliance and economic growth. “A progressive Bodoland depends on investment in education, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure. Strengthening our economic foundation is key to long-term prosperity,” he said. “This conference has reinforced our collective goal of building a self-sustaining and thriving Bodoland.”

The final day of the conference featured a marathon race and a cultural rally promoting peace and unity, flagged off by Bijitgiri Basumatary, General Secretary of Dularai Boro Harimu Afad. The open session at noon was presided over by ABSU President Dipen Boro.

Among the prominent attendees were Minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma, Dr. Surath Narzary (President of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha), Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, and Agriculture Minister Atul Bora.