Union Territory
File photo of ABSU activists staging protest demanding separate state. Photo: Northeast Now

The centre on Monday assured that it would resolve the long pending Bodo issues and arrive at a sustainable and permanent peace in the region.

Giving this assurance during a tripartite talk on Bodo issue, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh told a delegation of ABSU and PJACBM in New Delhi that he would talk with the Assam government and all other stakeholders on various demand raised by ABSU.

“The Home Ministry will again call us in December after having consultations with all stakeholders,” an ABSU leader said.

The ABSU delegation was led by its president Pramod Boro.

“We demand a solution before the next year’s general election. Today we have discussed thoroughly regarding protection of tribal land rights, culture and identity etc. and the Home Minister has assured us of taking all necessary measures,” Boro said.

The Bodo leaders also reiterated their demand for a separate Bodoland state.

“We have also reiterated our demand for Scheduled Tribe (Hills) status to the Bodos living in Assam and Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao. We want proper implementation of Clause No. 8 of BTC accord,” the ABSU president said.

The Bodo delegation was accompanied by two former MPs including U G Brahma and SK Bwismuthiary. The PJACBM was represented by Rakesh Boro and Garjan Mashahary.

Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Director IB, Joint Secretary (NE) Satyendra Garg, represented the centre.

Assam additional chief secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna, special branch DGP Pallab Bhattacharyya, principal secretary L S Changsan and IGP Hiren nath were present from the state government side.

The ABSU president denied reports that the student body had discussed on the reported Union Territorial Council issue. “We have not discussed anything about UTC as reported by a section of media,” Boro reiterated.

He said that unscrupulous people want to derail the Bodo talks.