BTC is Epitome of Peace & Development: Sarbananda Sonowal
KOKRAJHAR: As a mark of tribute to the supreme sacrifice of martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause of autonomy, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal handed over financial assistance in the form of cheque worth Rs 5 lakh each to 20 martyrs’ families at a function organized to celebrate 17th Bodoland Day at Kokrajhar on Sunday. Altogether 2,624 martyrs’ families will be given Rs. 5 lakh each by the State Government in recognition to their supreme sacrifices which resulted in the signing of Bodo Accord in 2003 between the Government of India, Government of Assam and Bodo Liberation Tiger.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal termed the day as historic and paid his tributes to Upen Brahma and other martyrs. He said that Kokrajhar along with other areas, once considered as disturbed areas, had now become an epitome of peace and development. Since 2003, the BTAD areas witnessed unprecedented growth and development. Laying of the foundation stone for medical college, engineering college, Sainik School, sports college and forest college in different areas of four districts speaks volume of development narratives being initiated in BTAD areas, he said.
BTC has exemplified development which is evident from the infrastructural growth in different areas being unleashed for people belonging to different caste, class, community and ethnicity, Sarbananda Sonowal added.
Speaking on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and ST status to six communities, Sonowal said some vested interests were spreading canards in the pretext of these issues to fulfil their ulterior motive. He also said the six communities would be given ST status without disturbing the rights and privileges of the existing STs. He also said that his government was committed to safeguarding the interests of indigenous people of the State as the budget presented this year had made substantial allotment for the promotion, preservation and patronage of linguistic, cultural and educational values of the indigenous communities of the state.
Speaking on the development initiates of the present State government, Sonowal said that to bolster development, the Investment Summit held in Assam witnessed investment proposals worth Rs 79,000 crore. However, within one year of the Summit, expression of interest for Rs 50,000 crore had already been made. He also thanked BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary and his colleagues for spearheading a peaceful ambience in BTAD areas which had also catalyzed in expediting the rate of development in the State.
Considering the immense role played by Upen Brahma in the context of growth and development in BTAD areas, he said a State-level award would be instituted in the name of Upen Brahma.
BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary, while speaking on the occasion, thanked people and organizations for helping in getting the BTC Accord signed, which according to him, led to the development of BTAD areas. He also said the BTC was committed to bring about development of all sections of the people living in the BTAD areas. On the occasion, people belonging to different communities clad in their traditional dress adorned the meeting ground.
Chief Minister Sonowal also presented the Promode Chandra Brahma Literary Award to Jamil Kumar Brahma, Nileswar Brahma Award to Sulekha Basumatary and Excellence in Sports Award to ace archer Pallabi Boro.
State Social Welfare Minister Pramila Rani Brahma, Tourism Minister Chandan Brahma, PHE Minister Rihon Daimari, BTC deputy chief Kampa Borgoiary, MP Biswajit Daimari and a host of dignitaries were present on the occasion.
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