Boro has urged inclusion under Article 280 to boost funding for remote districts recovering from decades of insurgency….reports Asian Lite News
As Bodoland celebrated the fifth anniversary of the historic 2020 Bodo Peace Accord, BTC Chief Pramod Boro looked back on the region’s progress toward peace and stability.
Speaking to Asian Lite, Boro expressed both optimism and caution. “Bodoland is peaceful now, but its future depends on the commitment of both the state and Union governments,” he said. He made it clear that violent agitation is no longer an option. “We do not support any form of unrest. Guns should only be in the hands of defence personnel,” he stated firmly.
Boro has called for its inclusion under Article 280 of the Constitution to secure increased funding for the development of remote districts that endured decades of insurgency and are now on the path to peace.
Reflecting on the past, Boro acknowledged the struggles that led to the peace accord. “Things were very different before—there was unrest and uncertainty. But now, I can confidently say that we are in a better place. I feel proud as an Indian. We don’t want our youth holding guns; they should be holding books, jobs, and opportunities,” he added.
“I can confidently say that we are in a better place. I feel proud as an Indian. We don’t want our youth holding guns; they should be holding books, jobs, and opportunities”
He recalled how challenging it was to unite different groups—some demanding a separate state, others seeking autonomy. “The Assam agitation of the 1980s saw widespread tribal participation, but when the Assam Accord was signed in 1985, tribals were excluded. This exclusion led to the Bodoland movement in 1987, which resulted in years of violence and loss of lives,” he explained.
Despite these deep divisions, Boro noted that even armed factions believed in national unity, citing how militant groups paused their activities during the Kargil conflict. “The peace process wasn’t easy. It took over a decade of dialogue, but eventually, everyone agreed that armed struggle was not the way forward. The 2020 accord brought all factions to the table and integrated them into the mainstream.”
“One of the biggest challenges is youth migration. Many young people leave Bodoland in search of opportunities. During the conflict, banks and businesses shut down. We are working hard to bring them back, but funding remains a challenge,” he said.
On the economic front, he pointed out that Bodoland requires at least Rs 5,000 crore for road development alone, yet the government’s annual budget allocation stands at just Rs 800 crore. “The long-term stability of the region depends on the proper devolution and decentralization of power. If these issues are handled wisely, we won’t return to unrest,” he stressed.
Regarding the issue of full statehood, Boro admitted that aspirations still exist but urged for careful consideration. “We signed the accord to bring peace and progress to our people. The idea of statehood may still be there, but we must think rationally before pushing for such demands. The leadership listened to us, and that’s why we signed the agreement. Ending violence was our most important goal,” he said.
Assam’s Bodoland is celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Bodoland Peace Accord, signed on January 27, 2020, which paved the way for peace in the region.
ALSO READ: Prince Edward in India for three-day visit
ALSO READ: Top Russian Lawmaker in India for Talks
