Bodoland's Transformation: A Journey Towards Peace and Development
Bodoland's Remarkable Change
Guwahati, Jul 6: Five years post the historic Bodo Accord, Bodoland is experiencing a significant shift from a region plagued by conflict to one characterized by peace, optimism, and inclusive development, stated Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday.
During the "Bodoland Speaks: From Vision to Action" event in Guwahati, Sarma emphasized the positive impact of the Bodo Accord, which was established under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership in 2020, effectively ending years of violence that had affected the area.
“It is indeed a divine blessing that during my time as Chief Minister, Bodoland has remained free from any blasts, gunfire, or violent incidents. This tranquility is a result of extensive dialogue, trust-building, and the Bodo Accord’s commitment to inclusive development,” Sarma remarked.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that recent efforts have not only focused on infrastructure and welfare programs but have also prioritized cultural revival and community well-being.
“Similar to Bhutan, which evaluates progress through its Gross National Happiness Index rather than just GDP, Bodoland aims to adopt a comparable approach, ensuring that economic advancement aligns with the happiness and harmony of its people,” Sarma highlighted during the program.
He underscored that genuine peace relies on open communication among various tribes and communities.
“When 26 communities engage in dialogue, appreciate each other's strengths, and resolve conflicts through conversation rather than protests, true peace will emerge. Issues rooted in conflict cannot be resolved through demands or protests. For instance, if one tribe seeks land rights, another may fear losing theirs. Such matters are best settled through dialogue,” Sarma explained.
Reflecting on Bodoland's tumultuous history, Sarma reminded attendees of the region's past struggles.
“Since 1968, Bodoland was synonymous with fear and hopelessness. Many mothers mourned their sons, and numerous youths resorted to arms, leading us to believe Bodoland was a lost cause. However, after 2014, under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, initiatives like the Bodo Accord have rekindled hope,” the Chief Minister stated.
Sarma also laid out a vision for the future, pledging that the next five years would focus on economic development, community welfare, and reinforcing the hard-earned peace.
“I have visited Bodoland over 200 times in the past five years, a commitment unmatched by any other minister. Following five years of peace, the next five will be dedicated to progress. The Bodo community, being the largest group in the region, bears the primary responsibility for fostering happiness and harmony, but this duty is shared among all 26 communities,” he asserted.
He addressed misconceptions regarding demographic changes and inter-community conflicts, noting that fertility rates are declining across all communities as per the 2022 National Health Survey.
“There is a common misconception that the tea tribe community poses a problem, which is incorrect. Bodoland has minimal tea gardens, and the people there are not a threat. In fact, across Assam, the populations of all communities are decreasing, not increasing. The average family size is expected to be just one or two children, which applies universally,” he clarified.
By leveraging the peace benefits of the Bodo Accord alongside a commitment to inclusive dialogue, cultural revival, and community well-being, Sarma conveyed to the audience that Bodoland could serve as a model for conflict resolution in India.
“Ensuring peace and harmony in Bodoland is not solely the government's duty; it is a collective responsibility. The Accord was merely the beginning,” he concluded at the ‘Bodoland Speaks’ event.