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Assam gives in, agrees to expand BAC area

The tripartite talks on the Bodo problem has succeeded in narrowing down differences between the government and Bodo leaders, and may pave way for the restoration of peace and economic development in militancy-hit Assam.

The two-day discussions, chaired by Dr P D Shenoy, additional secretary in the home ministry, felt that more talks were necessary to arrive at consensus. Dr Shenoy confirmed that differences were narrowing down.

Representatives of the Assam government agreed to the inclusion of additional areas in the proposed Bodoland Autonomous Council, but strongly rejected the demand for a separate Bodo state.

The meeting was attended by S K Bwiswmuthiary, MP, U G Brahma, president of the All Bodo Students Union, G B Basamatary, President of the Peoples Democratic Front, S K Basumatary, president of the United Tribal Nationality Front, additional chief secretary of Assam M S Rangta and senior home ministry officials.

It was agreed that violence in Bodo areas should be stopped immediately.

The Assam government agreed to the inclusion of a 10-km belt on the Assam-Bhutan border and other Bodo dominated villages on the eastern sector in the proposed council. It, however, objected to the inclusion of villages south of the existing BAC areas.

Representatives of the central government felt it was important to finalise the BAC's territorial boundary. The Centre was also willing to ensure project-based funding and prompt release of funds for areas inhabitated by Bodos.

The main demands raised by the Bodo groups include the creation of a separate state of Bodoland and the creation of the autonomous district councils of Nilachal and Lalung under the sixth schedule.

The Bodo groups requested that central funds be released to the BAC directly. The Assam government had no objection to this demand.

UNI

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