Kokrajhar (Assam) [India], January 29 (HBTV): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that the state legislative assembly session will be held in Bodoland on February 17.

He made the announcement during a public meeting at Green Field in Kokrajhar, marking the fifth anniversary of the historic Bodo Peace Accord.

In his address, the Chief Minister emphasized the rich history and vibrant cultural heritage of the Bodo community, noting their significant contribution to the state's history. While acknowledging the signing of the Bodo Peace Accords in 1993, 2003, and 2020, he highlighted that it was the third Accord that heralded a new era of peace in the region.

To fully implement the Accord, Sarma mentioned the central government's plan to introduce the 125th Amendment to the Constitution. He also noted that the region has moved beyond its history of unrest, with current discussions now centered on road construction, educational institutions, and other developmental projects. Under the Sixth Schedule, he said, the region's development is a key priority.

Drawing inspiration from Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, the Chief Minister pledged to work alongside the people of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) to transform the area into a land of progress.

Sarma praised the collaborative efforts between the Assam Government and the BTR Government over the past three years, which have led to significant development, such as improvements in road connectivity, the recognition of the Bodo language as an associate official language, and the rehabilitation of former NDFB cadres.

‘The Bodo Kachari Welfare Council has been established for Bodos residing outside Bodoland, and the rehabilitation of 4,203 former NDFB cadres has been carried out in accordance with the Bodo Accord,’ CM Sarma said.

Additionally, he noted that the BTR government has prepared a Community Vision Document for the region, addressing the challenges faced by 26 communities. He further mentioned that financial assistance has been provided to the families of 632 martyrs.

Sarma commended BTR Chief Pramod Boro for his efforts in promoting peace and harmony among the region's communities. He also highlighted the provincialisation of 259 teaching and staff positions at ten colleges in BTR and announced that schools and colleges established around 2006 would be provincialised in the upcoming legislative assembly session.

Under the leadership of the BTR government, Sarma pointed out, 21 traditional and cultural products of the Bodo community have received GI tags, a measure that will help preserve the region's traditions and cultural heritage for future generations.

He also announced that the Tamulpur Medical College and Hospital would be completed and dedicated to public service in the coming year, alongside plans for the construction of Kokrajhar's Sai Stadium with an investment of INR 125 crore, featuring state-of-the-art facilities.

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the BTR administration for driving the region's development, mentioning that the Assam Government has invested nearly INR 1,000 crore in improving road connectivity.

Sarma further announced the establishment of a Bodoland University campus in Udalguri, complementing the two existing universities in the region. He also stated that an additional INR 400 crore would be allocated to improve the road network in the region. With 6,000 kilometres of road in BTR, he mentioned that 2,000 kilometres have already been completed.

Sarma also highlighted the Bhutanese government's plan to construct the Gelephu Mindfulness City near Chirang, which he said would transform the region's environment. He further explained that a new railway route from Guwahati to Gelephu via Chirang would reduce travel time between Chirang and Guwahati to just two hours. He added that further details about this new railway route would be provided by Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, at the forthcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 event.

Before the event, Chief Minister Sarma paid a heartfelt tribute to Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma. During the ceremony, Sarma presented ex-gratia to the families of martyrs, cheques to the Bodoland Movement Victim Family Members, and cultural awards to eminent artists from the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). He also unveiled the "Educating Bodoland" report and highlighted the achievements of the BTR Government over the past four years.

The event was attended by Minister of Handloom, Textile, Sericulture etc. U.G. Brahma, Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council Pramod Boro, MPs Joyanta Basumatary and Rwngwra Narzary (RS), BTC Deputy Chief Executive Member Gobinda Chandra Basumatary, along with Executive Members, Members of the Council, and other notable dignitaries.

(ANI)