Kokrajhar, Assam – Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday addressed the 57th annual conference of the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU), highlighting its crucial role in establishing peace, development, and progress in the region.
Acknowledging ABSU’s Contribution
Shah emphasized that without ABSU’s involvement, the Bodo Accord would not have been possible, nor would peace have been established in Bodoland. “ABSU is advancing education, empowerment, and development. Thanks to its efforts, students can now take their exams up to the 12th grade in the Bodo language, ensuring its recognition and preservation for generations to come,” he said.
Implementation of the BTR Peace Agreement
Criticizing the Opposition for undermining the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) peace agreement signed on January 27, 2020, Shah stated, “Today, 82% of the agreement’s conditions have been fulfilled. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the central government will ensure 100% implementation in the next two years, bringing lasting peace to the region.”
He also highlighted key developments under the agreement, including the removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the entire BTR area on April 1, 2022.
Economic Growth and Industrial Development
Shah pointed out that Bodoland’s economic potential is gaining recognition through initiatives like the ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) program. “The mushroom from Kokrajhar, now known as ‘Mushroom from Bodoland,’ is featured on hotel menus in Delhi, thanks to the peace established in the region,” he noted.
The Home Minister also praised Bodoland’s ability to host the prestigious Durand Cup tournament and encouraged Bodo athletes to prepare for the 2036 Olympics, which India aspires to host.
Honoring Upendra Nath Brahma
Paying tribute to Bodo leader Upendra Nath Brahma, Shah announced that a major road in Delhi would be named Bodopa Upendra Nath Brahma Marg. Additionally, in early April, a bust of Brahma will be unveiled in Delhi to honor his legacy.
Boosting Industry and Job Creation
He stated that over a dozen products from Bodoland have received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, fostering an industrial environment across the BTR region. “Earlier, Bodoland was associated with unrest and separatism, but now, education, development, and industry are shaping its future,” he said.
The central and Assam governments have allocated ₹1,500 crore for Bodoland’s development, despite its relatively small population of 3.5 million.
Rehabilitation of Former Militants
Highlighting peace efforts, Shah revealed that ₹287 crore has been spent on rehabilitating 4,881 former members of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) in Assam, with 90% of the funds provided by the central government.
He also commended Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for recruiting 400 Bodo youths into the Assam Commando Battalion. “The government has signed agreements with nine insurgent groups in Assam, integrating over 10,000 youths into the mainstream,” Shah added.
A New Era for Bodoland
“Where bullets once flew, today Bodo youth are waving the tricolor, sending a powerful message of peace to the nation,” he said.
Emphasizing the cultural significance of the Bathou religion, Shah described it as a profound spiritual tradition rooted in the five elements—fire, air, earth, sky, and water. He assured that both the central and Assam governments are committed to the region’s holistic development.
In his concluding remarks, he urged Bodo youths to focus on education and assured them of unwavering government support in their journey toward a peaceful and prosperous future.
