13th Bodoland Day observed

Rijiju assures development of BTC and NE by 2019

From our Correspondent

KOKRAJHAR, February 10: The 13th Bodoland Day was celebrated at Secretariat ground, Bodofa Nwgwr here in Kokrajhar on Tuesday with a day-long colourful programme amid a huge gathering of people from all walks of life. Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju attended the function as chief guest.

In his speech, Rijuju said the BJP-led government would bring development of BTC and the north-eastern region by 2019 facilitating all the villages with good road connectivity, electricity and telephone lines. He urged the people to stand united against terrorism, saying that terrorism and inter-community clashes were not a health sign. He said, “Don’t allow the illegal immigrants to occupy your land, fighting among each other will not solve the problem.”

Speaking about terrorism, he said what could be more tragic than the fact that people fear to come to the Northeast because of terrorism and disturbance. The image of the Northeast was domited by disturbance and terrorism. “We need to tackle it unitedly,” he said. He also assured that he would see to it that the central assistance meant for the BTC reached in time so that work could be carried out smoothly.  He also promised to arrange a sitting with representatives from the BTC and the State Government on implementation of the BTC accord.

Earlier, as per the programme, BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary lighted the lamp and paid floral tribute at the statue of Bodofa Upendra th Brahma in front of the BTC secretariat. Later, he also paid homage to those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of Bodoland at the martyrs' tomb and hoisted the tricolour.

A colourful cultural programme by artists, martial arts associations, Bodoland Indigenous Games Association and students of various educatiol institutions was held followed by display of tableaus by various departments of BTC. Two important awards, Promod Chandra Brahma Literary Award, 2015 and Nileswar Brahma Cultural Award, 2015 were also presented. The BTC authority also felicitated award-winning writers, sports persons and artistes who brought laurels to the region through their works.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohilary dwelt at length about various development projects undertaken by the BTC authority. He said that in the last 13years the BTC had seen a lot of development in all aspects. He stressed the need for peaceful atmosphere for all round development of the region. He, however, criticized the State Government on the allocation of budget to the BTC terming that a mere 3.4 per cent budget was being allocated to the BTC against the 12 per cent it should get.