New Delhi, June 24: The All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) has called on the central and Assam governments to promptly implement key provisions of the Bodo Peace Accord of 2020. This demand follows a meeting of the Joint Monitoring Committee held in New Delhi. The organization highlighted that over six years have passed since the accord was signed, yet several critical issues remain unresolved.
ABSU, a principal signatory to the historic Bodo Peace Accord signed on January 27, 2020, stated that the core aspirations of the Bodo community still revolve around a dignified life, freedom of development, economic self-reliance, cultural preservation, and political empowerment.
To achieve these goals, ABSU insists that all provisions of the accord must be enacted. The organization referenced three significant agreements made during the Bodo movement, which followed a long democratic struggle and the sacrifices of thousands. These agreements include the Bodoland Autonomous Council (BAC) Agreement of February 20, 1993, the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Agreement of February 10, 2003, and the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Agreement of January 27, 2020.
According to ABSU, the BTR Agreement aimed to expand the region’s boundaries, enhance powers and administrative rights, and ensure new development opportunities. They noted that the commission established to extend the BTR’s boundaries is set to conclude its term on March 31, 2025. The inclusion of 634 villages, including revenue villages, sub-villages, forest villages, and villages linked to forest rights, remains pending.
The organization emphasized that both the central and Assam governments had assured regional expansion and development during the Bodo movement. Therefore, it is inappropriate to delay this crucial aspect of the accord any further. ABSU has also demanded the passage of the Constitution (125th Amendment) Bill in the upcoming monsoon session, stating that this amendment is essential for implementing several key provisions of the Bodo Peace Accord.
Through this bill, the number of members in the Bodoland Territorial Council could be increased to 60, granting the council additional powers and administrative rights. Anti-defection provisions would be enforced, and council elections could be conducted under the supervision of the State Election Commission. Amendments to Article 280 of the Constitution would ensure financial empowerment.
ABSU pointed out that the Joint Monitoring Committee meeting, originally scheduled for June 1, was postponed four times before being held on June 23. They interpreted this delay as a sign of indifference, warning that ongoing delays are escalating dissatisfaction within the Bodo community.
The organization cautioned that if there is further delay in implementing the main provisions of the Bodo Peace Accord, they may need to formulate a strategy that reflects the sentiments of the Bodo community. They reiterated that achieving freedom of development and political rights is their primary objective. If necessary, the demand for a separate Bodoland state under Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution could be raised again.
ABSU asserted that after more than three decades of struggle and the sacrifice of over 5,000 lives, the central and Assam governments must honor the accord by implementing all its provisions in a timely manner.
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