Prime Minister announced a package of Rs 1500 Crore to benefit Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri of the BTAD.
Prime Minister praised the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU), the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), Shri HagramaMahilare, the Chief of BTC and the Government of Assamfor playinga very positive role in the Bodo agreement. He was addressing a mammoth rally in Kokrajhar. (Asam)
The Governor of Assam, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi is also seen.
“Today is the day for the entire North East including Assam to welcome a new beginning in the 21st century, a new dawn, a new inspiration.Today is the day to take a pledge that development and trust would continue to be our mainstay and that they would be further strengthened. Let us not be engulfed by the darkness of violence ever again. Let us welcome a Peaceful Assam, a New Resolute India”, PM said.
He termed the signing of the Bodo Accord as all the more significant as India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi this year.
“Gandhiji used to say that whatever be the fruits of non-violence, they would be accepted by all”, Prime Minister added.
Dwelling on the Bodo Accord the Prime Minister said that it would benefit the entire people of the region. He said that the Powers of the Bodo Territorial Council (BTC) have been enhanced and strengthened under the accord.
“Everybody is a winner in this accord, peace is a winner and humanity is a winner in this accord”, he said.
A commission would be formed to determine the boundaries of the Bodo Territorial Area Districts (BTAD). “This would help in all round development of Bodo Culture, Region and Education”, he said.
Stressing on the increased responsibility of the BTC and the Government of Assam, the Prime Minister said that the motto of development would be only through SabkaSaath, SabkaVikas and SabkaVishwaas.
“Today, in the Bodo region, new hopes, new dreams, new spirits have been communicated, the responsibility of all of you has increased. I am confident that the Bodo Territorial Council will now develop a new model of development by taking every society here. This will strengthen Assam and strengthen the spirit of India, a superior India”, Prime Minister added.
Prime Minister said his Government wants to implement the Clause 6 of the Assam Accord and that it is waiting for the report of the committee.
New approach to meet aspirations of Northeast
Prime Minister said that the Government had adopted a new approach to deal with various issues plaguing the North East.
He said such an approach was possible only after a deep understanding of the aspirations and the emotional issues of the region.
“The solutions were found through deliberations and discussions with all concerned and with empathy. They were found as we dealt with everyone as our own and not as outsiders. We conversed with them and made them feel one of our own. This has helped reduced extremism. Earlier, there were about 1000 killings in the North-East due to extremism but today, on the whole, the situation is normal and peaceful.