Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the 1st Bodoland Mahotsav on Friday, stated that Bodoland has seen a wave of development following the signing of the Bodo Peace Accord. He emphasized that this agreement has not only brought stability to the region but also paved the way for other potential peace settlements.
“Development in Bodoland has been substantial over the last four years. The positive results following the Peace Accord provide immense satisfaction,” PM Modi remarked.
Central and State Government Development Packages
The Prime Minister highlighted that the Central Government has allocated a special development package of ₹1,500 crore for Bodoland. In addition, the Assam Government has provided its own package, with over ₹700 crore spent on infrastructure in education, healthcare, and cultural projects.
Impact of the Bodo Peace Accord
The Bodo Peace Accord, signed in January 2020 with various Bodo groups in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, was a major step towards resolving the longstanding conflict in the region. Following the agreement, 1,615 members of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) factions laid down their arms.
“The Bodo Peace Accord did not just benefit Bodoland; it also opened doors for other similar agreements. Had this accord been limited to mere paperwork, others wouldn’t have trusted the process. But the people of Bodoland embraced the accord wholeheartedly,” PM Modi stated.
The two-day Bodoland Mahotsav, organized on November 15 and 16, is aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Bodo community. The event focuses on language, literature, and traditions, with the theme “Peace and Harmony for Prosperous Bharat.” It aims to integrate the Bodo people from various regions, including Assam, West Bengal, Nepal, and other international border areas in the North East.
The festival seeks to highlight the linguistic diversity, ecological richness, and tourism potential of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The Mahotsav also symbolizes the journey of recovery and resilience since the signing of the peace agreement.
Prime Minister Modi witnessed traditional Bodo dance performances and even played the Sarinda, a stringed musical instrument of the Bodo community. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma joined the event virtually.
The Bodo community, one of the oldest indigenous groups in Assam, is the largest tribal community in the state. The Bodo language, listed in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, is recognized as an Associate Official Language of Assam and is used as a medium of instruction up to Class XII.
PM Modi extended his wishes on the occasions of Kartik Purnima, Dev Deepawali, and the 555th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev. He congratulated the Sikh community and also acknowledged the celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas across the country.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi attended a ceremony in Jamui, Bihar, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, paying homage to the tribal freedom fighter.