
BODO Peace Accord
About
The Bodo Peace Accord refers to the agreement signed between the Government of India, the Assam government, and Bodo groups to bring lasting peace to the Bodoland region of Assam. The most recent accord was signed on January 27, 2020, and is known as the Third Bodo Peace Accord.
Key Highlights of the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord:
- End of Insurgency
- The National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), a major Bodo militant group, agreed to lay down arms and join the mainstream.
- Over 1,500 cadres of NDFB surrendered.
- Formation of Bodo Territorial Region (BTR)
- The existing Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) were restructured into the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) with more autonomy.
- The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) was given more legislative, executive, administrative, and financial powers.
- Recognition of Bodo Identity
- Bodo was declared an associate official language of Assam.
- Special provisions were made for the preservation of Bodo culture, language, and heritage.
- Political and Economic Provisions
- The accord promised 1,500 crore for the development of the region over the next three years.
- It also allowed reservations for Bodos in government jobs and educational institutions.
- Territorial Changes
- The new BTR boundaries were redrawn, with provisions to include or exclude certain villages based on the majority population's choice.
Previous Bodo Accords
- First Bodo Accord (1993)
- Led to the creation of the Bodoland Autonomous Council (BAC) but failed to satisfy demands.
- Second Bodo Accord (2003)
- Created the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
- First Bodo Accord (1993)
- Led to the creation of the Bodoland Autonomous Council (BAC) but failed to satisfy demands.
- Second Bodo Accord (2003)
- Created the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
- Created the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Significance of the 2020 Accord
- Ends decades of insurgency in Assam.
- Brings development opportunities to Bodo areas.
- Strengthens Assam's unity while giving Bodos greater autonomy.
The accord has been largely successful in reducing violence and integrating former militants into society, but some groups still demand a separate state of Bodoland.
-- Daily News Section Compiled
By Vishwas Nimbalkar