Amit Shah Hails Bodo Peace and Development at ABSU Annual Conference in Assam

Kokrajhar: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, addressed the 57th annual conference of the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) in Kokrajhar, Assam, on Sunday, lauding the organization’s role in fostering peace and progress in the Bodoland region. The event was attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Legislative Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, and several other dignitaries.

During his speech, Shah credited ABSU for its instrumental role in the signing of the Bodo Accord, which he said has been pivotal in bringing stability to the region. He paid tribute to the thousands of people who had fought for peace in Bodoland and announced that a prominent road in Delhi would be named after Bodo leader Upendra Nath Brahma. He also revealed plans for a program in April where a bust of Brahma will be unveiled in the national capital.

Highlighting the transformation in the region, Shah noted that where once Bodoland was associated with unrest, it is now becoming a hub for education, industry, and economic development. He acknowledged ABSU’s efforts in ensuring that students can take their board exams in the Bodo language, which has helped preserve the language for future generations.

Discussing the progress of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) peace agreement, Shah emphasized that 82 percent of its provisions have already been implemented, with the remaining commitments set to be fulfilled within the next two years. He reiterated the government’s commitment to bringing lasting peace and prosperity to the Bodo community.

The Home Minister also pointed out the economic gains Bodoland has made due to peace. Under the ‘One District, One Product’ initiative, Kokrajhar’s mushrooms are now being served in hotels in Delhi, and the region has successfully hosted major events like the Durand Cup. He urged Bodo athletes to prepare for India’s potential hosting of the 2036 Olympics.

Shah highlighted major infrastructure projects in Assam, including the construction of new highways, railway projects, and industrial developments in BTR. He also noted that over ₹1,500 crore has been allocated for Bodoland’s development, despite its relatively small population.

Discussing security improvements, Shah announced that the government had removed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the entire BTR in 2022. He also revealed that over ₹287 crore has been spent on rehabilitating former National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) militants, helping them integrate into mainstream society.

In a move towards youth empowerment, 400 Bodo youths have been recruited into the Assam Commando Battalion, marking a significant step in bringing young people into constructive roles within the security forces. Shah emphasized that through a series of peace agreements, the government has managed to bring over 10,000 former insurgents into the mainstream.

Concluding his address, Shah urged Bodo youths to focus on education and development, assuring that both the central and state governments are committed to making Bodoland a global example of growth and harmony. He also spoke about the importance of the Bathou religion, describing it as a philosophy rooted in the five natural elements, which he pledged to promote.

The conference served as a platform to reinforce the government’s commitment to the region’s progress, with Amit Shah assuring that Bodoland’s future is firmly on the path of peace, prosperity, and integration with India’s larger development story.