ABSU Warns Bodoland Statehood Demand Could Resurface Over Bodo Language Row

KOKRAJHAR, October 16, 2026 — The All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) has expressed concern over the reported removal of the Bodo language nameplate from the Assam Legislative Assembly building, describing it as an issue of linguistic dignity, constitutional recognition and the historical struggle of the Bodo people.

Addressing reporters in Kokrajhar on Thursday, ABSU president Kwrwmdaoto Wary said the removal of the nameplate was deeply symbolic and could be perceived by the Bodo community as a denial of its identity, despite Bodo being included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Wary said the Bodo movement had long sought dignity, identity, recognition and equitable treatment for the community and its language. He argued that the incident raised questions about whether constitutional recognition was being translated into equal respect in practice.

He said the issue went beyond administrative signage and touched upon the Bodo community’s place in Assam’s political and cultural identity. Such incidents, he added, could revive memories of historical marginalisation and reinforce concerns about linguistic discrimination.

The ABSU president warned that the controversy could further alienate the community and strengthen demands for greater autonomy. He said the demand for a separate Bodoland state could resurface as an option to secure the community’s linguistic and cultural identity if its concerns remained unaddressed.

Meanwhile, the Bodo National Students Union (BoNSU) staged a protest against the reported removal of the Bodo language nameplate from the Assembly building.

The protesters gathered along JD Road near the main gate of the BTC Secretariat in Kokrajhar, carrying placards and criticising the authorities over the issue. They demanded the immediate reinstatement of the Bodo language with due dignity.

Hundreds of student union members and citizens participated in the demonstration, urging the Assam government and the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) to restore the Bodo language nameplate at the Assembly building.

Reacting to the controversy, BTC Chief Executive Member Hagrama Mohilary said he had communicated with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and discussed the matter. According to Mohilary, the Chief Minister assured him that the issue would be resolved through discussion.