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* All militant groups offered the olive branch
* PM’s vision gives a new identity to NE: Sonowal
OUR CORRESPONDENT
KOKRAJHAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that development played an important role in removing the secessionist tendency in North East, and assured that the surrendered militants of the NDFB would be rehabilitated through the Central and State government initiatives. The Prime Minister also urged all militant groups of North East, Jammu & Kashmir and other parts of India to shun violence and give peace a chance.
The Prime Minister said this while addressing a public rally at Khargaon-Tengapara in Kokrajhar district. The rally was held to celebrate the success of Bodo Peace Accord signed by ABSU and all factions of NDFB with the Government of Assam and Government of India.
Appreciating the ABSU, all factions of NDFB, BTC administration and the Government of Assam, the Prime Minister said that with successful signing of Bodo Peace Accord a longstanding issue has come to an end, and this would lead to permanent peace in the region. He also urged the people to take a pledge to boost development and have faith in his government and not allow violence to return again.
Remembering the Father of the Nation, the Prime Minister said that achievements made through peace always become acceptable to all. He said that the Bodo peace accords which were signed earlier in 1993 and 2003 could not bring lasting peace in the region. However, with the latest ‘Peace Accord’, permanent peace has prevailed and it has met all demands of the organizations. He further said that development is now the first and foremost preference of his government.
While paying his tribute to Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardev, Prime Minister Modi said that the peace initiatives in the State were motivated by the philosophy of Srimanta Sankardev. He at the same time referred to the names of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma and Rupnath Brahma and paid his tributes to them also.
Stating that the Bodo Peace Accord would benefit not only the Bodos but also all communities living in the region, the Prime Minister observed that the Accord was a victory for all and most importantly it was a victory of peace and humanity. He added that the agreement would usher in a phase of sustained development and bring in prosperity to the region.
He informed that under this ‘Peace Accord’, the existing Bodoland Territorial Areas District shall be renamed as ‘Bodoland Territorial Region’. A Commission will examine and recommend the boundary of this region. This Accord will initiate the process of BTC to have more legislative, executive, administrative and financial powers. Further, a special financial package of Rs 1,500 crore would be provided by the Central and State governments for development initiatives in BTR. The Prime Minister hoped that the BTC Council would ensure equal development of all communities living within its administrative jurisdiction. He also appreciated the Assam government for its steps to preserve and promote the Bodo language.
The Prime Minister claimed he was extremely pleased with the colour of the Bodo “Aronai” and “Dokhona” during the welcome ceremony, and said he had never seen such a colourful rally in India. He also said he had not seen such a huge people’s conglomeration anywhere. He also stated that visiting the BTC region was not new for him, but the attendance of several lakhs of people in the people’s rally has enhanced his faith upon the people of the region. Appreciating the huge motorcycle rally that was organized ahead of his visit in Kokrajhar on Thursday, the PM said that posting of this event in the social and electronic media made the Bodos well known to the people across the country.
Earlier, the Prime Minister also laid a garland at a bust of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma on the dais. He also talked a few lines in the Bodo language.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi further said that neglect by successive Central Governments earlier led the region towards unrest. The earlier governments made no effort to solve the issues of the region. He said that his government successfully developed the emotional connect with the people of the region through multiple initiatives and brought the Central government to the doorstep of the people of the North East.
Referring to Clause 6 of Assam Accord, Narendra Modi assured that once the high-level committee constituted by the Central Government submits its report, his government would take immediate steps for its implementation.
Further, the Prime Minister said that in the pretext of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) several forces are creating confusion and spreading rumours that several millions will come and settle in Assam. He warned all those forces and said that anti-Assam and anti-India forces would not be tolerated.
He further informed that while the 13th Finance Commission sanctioned less than Rs 90,000 crore for the North East, his government in the 14th Finance Commission sanctioned around Rs 3 lakh crore for the region. Besides, completing more than 3,000 km road network in the last three to four years, the Central government converted the erstwhile metre gauge rail network to broad gauge and completed or renovated several airports in the NE. He also said that till 2014, there was only one waterway in the region; however, things have changed for the better as 12 new waterways have been developed. Moreover, his government has expanded the Internet network, sanctioned around Rs 9,000 crore for the NE Gas Grid and completed all the long pending projects and expedited implementation of the ongoing projects have brought in visible growth in the region.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, speaking on the occasion, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his guidance that led to the signing of the Accord and said that the pact was significant for the entire country in bringing peace. He also appreciated Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his endeavours in this regard. Chief Minister Sonowal further thanked ABSU and all factions of NDFB for signing the Accord. He also paid his tribute to Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma and those who made the supreme sacrifice in the Bodoland movement.
The Chief Minister said that the ‘Bodo Peace Accord’ would equally help the Bodos and the non-Bodos living within BTR and empower them socially, economically and politically. He also expressed hope that all communities would live peacefully in the region and take Assam forward to the path of development.
Stating that the Prime Minister after assuming office has taken several steps for growth of the region, he said that his vision has been instrumental in giving a new identity to the North East in the South East Asian countries.
While BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary delivered the welcome speech, the meeting was also addressed by Minister of Finance, Health and Education etc. Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. ABSU president Pramod Bodo also spoke on the occasion.
The meeting was also graced by Governor Professor Jagdish Mukhi, Rajyasabha MP Biswajit Daimary, Bodo Sahitya Sabha President Taren Bodo, former MP UG Brahma, leaders of all factions of NDFB Ranjan Daimary, Gobinda Basumatary, Dhiren Bodo and B Swairagra besides ABSU general secretary Lawrence Islary.