By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Discussions on the long-pending demand for a separate Bodoland state resurfaced on Thursday during a meeting held at the Bodoland Guest House in under the initiative of the Bodo National Students Union (BoNSU).
The meeting focused on demands for smaller states across the country and was attended by Smaller State Coordination Committee chief convener Sanjay Thulung, BoNSU president Banjit Manjil Basumatary, Bodoland Janajati Surukha Manch working president Daorao Deshrep Narzary, along with representatives of several organisations.
Representatives from the All BTAD Gaonburah Association, former NDFB members, former Volunteer Force members and the All Bodo Senior Citizens’ Forum also participated in the discussions.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Thulung said organisations advocating for smaller states would work together again to intensify their respective movements for separate statehood demands.
He said discussions with the Central government would be initiated on the issue and added that democratic movements could be launched again if necessary.
BoNSU president Basumatary said the organisation would continue pursuing the demand for a separate Bodoland state, claiming that sections of the Bodo community remained dissatisfied with earlier arrangements under the BAC, BTC and BTR agreements.
He further stated that the demand for separate statehood would continue and indicated that stronger initiatives could be taken in the future.
According to BoNSU, Thursday’s meeting marked the first phase of discussions on the issue.