New Delhi [India], November 15 (HBTV): Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday that more than 10,000 youths in Assam have renounced arms and violence, attributing the transformation to the success of peace accords in the region.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the first Bodoland Mahotsav, a two-day cultural event celebrating language, literature, and peace-building efforts, PM Modi emphasized the broader impact of peace initiatives.

'Due to peace accords, more than 10,000 youth gave up arms and violence in Assam alone, joining the mainstream. Who would have imagined that agreements like the Karbi Anglong Peace Pact, the Bru-Reang Agreement, and the NLFT Tripura Agreement would become a reality? It's all because of you,' the prime minister said.

Highlighting the progress of youth in Assam, he noted, 'I am happy that the youth who were holding guns just a few years ago are now excelling in sports. Hosting two editions of the Durand Cup in Kokrajhar and witnessing teams from Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan is a historic achievement in itself.'

He praised the Bodo community for choosing peace and development, calling them an example of transformative change. 'The Bodo Peace Accord hasn’t just benefited you; it has paved the way for more peace accords. If it had remained on paper, others would not have trusted me. However, you have embraced it in your lives,' he said.

Modi also highlighted the government’s efforts toward the economic and social empowerment of Bodoland, particularly focusing on women-led initiatives.

'Women in Bodoland are leading the charge in development. When violence ends, progress becomes the focus,' he remarked.

Recalling his visit to Kokrajhar in 2020 following the signing of the Bodo Peace Accord, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the warmth and support of the Bodo people. 'You made me feel like one of your own, and this bond motivates me to ensure that Bodoland’s development remains a priority,' he said.

Acknowledging the contributions of Bodo leaders, he stated, 'For me, the entire North-East, including Assam, represents India’s Ashta Lakshmi. Now, the sun of development will rise from Eastern India, fueling the resolve for a developed India. This is why we are actively pursuing lasting peace in the North-East and finding amicable solutions to inter-state border disputes.'

Modi outlined the financial commitments made by the Central and Assam governments, noting that a special package of ₹1,500 crore has been allocated for Bodoland's development, with over ₹700 crore already spent on education, healthcare, and cultural infrastructure.

The two-day Bodoland Mahotsav, being held on November 15 and 16, celebrates the progress made since the signing of the Bodo Peace Accord in 2020. The accord resolved decades of conflict and violence in Bodoland, serving as a catalyst for other peace settlements, according to an official release.

The Bodo people, one of Assam’s largest indigenous tribal communities, have inhabited the region for thousands of years. The Bodo language, listed in the Eighth Schedule of India’s Constitution, is recognized as an associate official language of Assam and is used as a medium of instruction up to Class XII.   

(ANI)