Bodo accord should not create turmoil: Kokrajhar MP Naba Sarania
STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Reacting to the matter of the Bodo accord that is to be signed between the Centre, the Assam government and Bodo stakeholders, Kokrajhar MP Naba Sarania said that the upcoming agreement should not be the repetition of the BTC Accord that created turmoil, instead of peace. The agreement is being signed in order to resolve the problems of the Bodos. He said that a discussion with the stakeholders of each ethnic group and organization is necessary for a mutual decision.
Sarania’s statement came while addressing a press conference at Dispur Press Club on Saturday. He said that this agreement should be signed for the interest of both Bodo and non-Bodo people residing in Bodoland and that the treaty should be fruitful to all the people, irrespective of their ethnicity.
Sarania said, “Our first demand is that this treaty shouldn’t be the repetition of the BTC Accord that compromised the rights of non-Bodo people at that time. Secondly, we need clarification on the fact that this agreement won't be a factor that may lead to the division of Assam.”
Besides demanding a clear stand regarding the issues of exclusion of non-Bodo villages, ST status and issue of land rights, Sarania also demanded that the Bodo stakeholders should withdraw Dispur’s move to make the Assamese language as the secondary language in Bodoland. Sarania, however stated earlier that they’ve no issue over the matter of recognition of the Bodo language but the Assamese language should always get the first language status. He further talked of taking to massive protests and political fight if the agreement fails to ensure security of the people. “If they really want to establish peace in Bodoland then they must ensure security of each people living in Bodoland and a round-table talk must be organized for a mutual decision.” Sarania added.