PM Modi attends celebrations on signing of Bodo Peace Accord at Kokrajhar, Assam

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : In a fervent appeal, PM Narendra Modi on February 7, 2020, gave a clarion call to those pursuing the path of violence to lay down their arms and return to the mainstream like the Bodo Cadres. The Prime Minister was participating in the celebrations of the signing of the Bodo Agreement at Kokrajhar in Assam.This was his first visit to the North-East since the signing of the historic accord on January27, 2020.

“For those who continue to have faith in arms and violence either in the North East, or Naxal areas or Jammu Kashmir, I request them to learn and draw inspiration from the Bodo Youth and return to the mainstream. Come back and start celebrating life,” he said. In his address, the Prime Minister recalled the contribution made by leaders Bodofa Upendranath Brahma Ji, Roopnath Brahma Ji. He praised the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU), National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), Hagrama Mahilare, the Chief of BTC, and the Government of Assam for playing  a very positive role in  the Bodo agreement.

“Today is the day for the entire North East including Assam to welcome a new beginning in the 21st century, a new dawn, a new inspiration. Today is the day to take a pledge that development and trust would continue to be our mainstay and that they would be further strengthened. Let us not be engulfed by the darkness of violence ever again. Let us welcome a Peaceful Assam, a  New Resolute India,” PM Modi said.

He termed the signing of the Bodo Accord as all the more significant as India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi this year. “Gandhi ji used to say that whatever be the fruits of non-violence, they would be accepted by all,”he added.

Dwelling on the Bodo Accord, the Prime Minister said that it would benefit the entire people of the region. He said that the Powers of the Bodo Territorial Council (BTC) have been enhanced and strengthened under the accord. “Everybody is a winner in this accord, peace is a winner, and humanity is a winner in this accord,” he said. A commission would be formed to determine the boundaries of the Bodo Territorial Area Districts (BTAD).

The PM announced a package of Rs 1,500 Crore to benefit Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, and Udalguri of the BTAD. “This would help in all round development of Bodo Culture, Region and Education,” he said. Stressing on the increased responsibility of the BTC and the Government of Assam, PM Modi said that the motto of development would be only through Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwaas. He said his Government wants to implement the Clause 6 of the Assam Accord and that it is waiting for the report of the committee.

“Over 3,000 km of roads have been built in the North East in the last three-four years. New national highways have been approved. The entire North East rail network has been converted into broad gauge. There is also a focus on strengthening the youth of the Northeast with new institutions of education, skill and sports. Apart from this, new hostels have also been created for students of North East in Delhi and Bangalore, ”the Prime Minister added.

“When lakhs of people get connectivity due to the completion of many projects hanging for decades like Bogibeel bridge, then their confidence in the government increases. This all-round development has played a very big role in turning separation into attachment. When people get ready to work together, even the biggest issues are resolved, ”PM Modi said, according to a PIB release.