Kokrajhar, Mar 17: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday announced that the Central government will fully implement the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Peace Agreement within the next two years. Speaking at the 57th Annual Conference of the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) at Bodofa Fwthar in Dotma, Kokrajhar, he highlighted the progress made since the agreement was signed in 2020.
Shah stated that the Assam government and the Centre have already implemented around 82 percent of the agreement’s provisions. He assured that once the remaining conditions are met, long-term peace will be established in the region.
He also noted that under the agreement, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was removed from the entire Bodoland region on April 1, 2022. Highlighting economic and cultural progress, he mentioned that Bodoland’s products, including Kokrajhar’s mushrooms, have gained recognition under the One District One Product initiative, and the region successfully hosted the Durand Cup.
During the event, Shah announced that a road in New Delhi will be named after former ABSU President Upendranath Brahma. The naming ceremony will take place on 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 paid tribute to those who lost their lives for the cause. He also emphasized the promotion of the Bodo language, stating that classes and examinations are now conducted in Bodo up to Class 12.
The ongoing four-day ABSU conference, set to conclude on March 16, includes discussions, competitions, and cultural programs aimed at fostering academic excellence and leadership.
