Guwahati: Once synonymous with insurgency and demands for a separate state, the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in Assam has undergone a significant transformation. Today, it stands as a beacon of peace and development, with the latest testament to this progress being the historic decision to hold the inaugural session of the Assam Assembly’s Budget Session in Kokrajhar—the administrative headquarters of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).
For the first time ever, a session of the Assam Legislative Assembly was conducted outside the state capital, Guwahati. The opening day of the Budget Session saw Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya delivering the customary address in Kokrajhar, after which the proceedings moved back to Guwahati for the remaining days. This symbolic gesture reinforced the Assam government’s commitment to the development of BTR and its integration into the state’s mainstream political and economic progress.
A Historic Milestone for BTR
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed the event as a “historic occasion” that would further solidify development initiatives in the region. Taking to social media platform X, Sarma wrote, “All of Assam’s legislators, led by Biswajit Daimary, are in Kokrajhar today to begin the Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly—a historic occasion that will further cement development initiatives in the BTR. Looking forward to productive discussions.”
During the session, CM Sarma emphasised the role of Bodo political leaders in ensuring peace in the region. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their pivotal role in securing long-lasting stability through the signing of the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord. CM Sarma also pointed out that he is the first Chief Minister of Assam in 40 years to stay overnight in the BTR area—an indication of the confidence in the region’s peaceful environment.
A Journey from Unrest to Stability
Reflecting on the drastic shift in the region’s socio-political landscape, Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika highlighted how, fifteen years ago, demands for a separate Bodoland state dominated political discourse. “Now, they don’t want it. They welcomed us for the Assembly session. This is the new Assam and the new Bharat,” Hazarika remarked, underlining how the sentiments in BTR have changed in favor of peace and development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to empowering the Bodo community. In a recent statement, he emphasized that the NDA governments at the Centre and Assam have been working tirelessly to fulfill the aspirations of the Bodo people. “I fondly recall my visit to Kokrajhar, where I witnessed the vibrant Bodo culture,” the Prime Minister stated, reinforcing his vision of an inclusive and prosperous BTR.
Impact of the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord
For decades, Bodoland was plagued by insurgency, instability, and unrest. The breakthrough came in 2020 with the signing of the Bodo Peace Accord, which was a result of extensive negotiations between the Centre, the Assam government, and insurgent groups. One of the key architects of the accord, Pramod Boro, who now serves as the BTC Chief, played a crucial role in bringing thousands of militants back into the mainstream. This development created a conducive atmosphere for peace and economic growth in the region.
Since the accord, the BJP-UPPL coalition government has undertaken several developmental projects aimed at ensuring permanent peace and prosperity in BTR. The region, which had long suffered from violence and economic stagnation, is now witnessing improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The government’s initiatives have also provided new employment opportunities, further strengthening the local economy.
Looking Ahead
The BTC, currently governed by the BJP-UPPL alliance, administers five districts in western and northern Assam. With BTC elections expected to take place by December this year, political dynamics in the region are expected to evolve further. The upcoming polls will be a crucial test for the ruling coalition, as they aim to continue their efforts in transforming BTR into a model of sustainable development and communal harmony.
As BTR sheds its past of conflict and embraces a new era of growth, the successful hosting of an Assam Assembly session in Kokrajhar stands as a powerful symbol of its integration into the mainstream political and developmental framework of the state. The region’s journey from unrest to peace serves as a remarkable example of how sustained government intervention, community participation, and visionary leadership can change the fate of conflict-ridden areas.
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