Topic: General Studies 2:
- Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure
Context
The signing of Historic Comprehensive Bodo Settlement Agreement (third Bodo Accord in three decades) in Jan 2020 between Government of India (Ministry of Home Affairs), Government of Assam and Bodo representatives.
Bodo representatives included: Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), All Bodo Students Union (ABSU), United Boro People Organization (UBPO), National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) factions
Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 4th February 2020
Pic Source: Yahoo news
Who are Bodos?
Bodos are the single largest tribal community in Assam, making up over 5-6 per cent of the state’s population. They have controlled large parts of Assam in the past
A timeline of Bodo Conflict
Although the Bodo agitation has a long history that dates back to the pre-Independence era, the movement gained momentum in the late 1980s, when calls were made for the bifurcation the state of Assam.
1929 – Bodo leader Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma submits a memorandum to the Simon Commission asking for reservations in the Legislative assembly, and for a separate political entity for his people. His efforts go in vain
1960s and 1970s – There are calls from Bodos and other tribes for a separate state of ‘Udayachal’ as immigrants are accused of illegally encroaching on Bodo-inhabited lands
Late 1980s – Calls for a separate state for Bodos – Bodoland – and for Assam to be divided “50-50” are raised. The demand was primarily led through peaceful methods by All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) and its leader Upendranath Brahma
Also during this time armed separatist group – The National Democratic Front of Bodoland is founded (1986).
Why the demand for separate Bodoland?
Progress made by government for resolution of Bodo issue
First Accord – Feb 1993
The Bodoland Autonomous Council (BAC) is constituted after the Centre, the Assam government and the ABSU sign a tripartite agreement.
The BAC was given power over 38 subjects, with a 40-member General Council, including 5 members nominated by the state government, while rest of the seats were reserved for ST.
But, soon a section of Bodo people rejected the accord, and claimed it was “inadequate” to meet the long-cherished political aspirations of the people.
The Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT), an armed insurgent group, formed in June 1996, launched its armed movement for a separate Bodoland state.
Second Accord- Feb 2003
After six years of subversive activities, BLT signed a tripartite agreement with the Centre and Assam government.
The second Bodo accord led to the formation of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which had more political power than the BAC A large number of the BLT cadres were absorbed in the CRPF.
The area under the BTC jurisdiction is officially called the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) comprising of 3,082 villages in four districts— Kokrajhar, Chirang, Udalguri and Baska.
However, ABSU continued with its movement of separate Statehood and different factions of NDFB continued to carry out hit-and-run operations, and disturbed peace.
Third Accord – Jan 2020
The 2020 agreement has the following provisions:
Implication of the Third Accord
The agreement is hailed as a permanent solution to a conflict, which has taken over 4,000 human lives.
Home Minister stated that Assam’s territorial integrity is assured with this agreement, as every single Bodo group has come on board.
Enhanced focus by Union government on tackling the issues of North-East so as to usher development in the region.
This is reflected in Bru-Reang agreement signed on January 16, 2020 to end the humanitarian crisis in Meghalaya and Tripura, recent surrender of 644 armed cadres in Assam and surrender of 88 armed NLFT cadres in Tripura to bring them to mainstream.
Conclusion
The peace in Bodoland Territorial Region will depend on the evolving relationship between the Bodos, the dominant but not the majority in the BTR and other communities.
It also depends on the final implementation of the accord and the ability of the state to rehabilitate the militants so as to prevent them from taking up anti-social activities.
