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PM Modi assures more development for BTAD

By Hantigiri Narzary |

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured for more  development commitment for BTAD including upgradation to Deemed University of Kokrajhar based Central Institute of Technology (CIT), granting of Scheduled Tribes (Hills) status to Bodo Kochary, who are living in Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao districts of Assam.

Modi came to Kokrajhar from Gantgtok in his two-day Northesatern state visit in a special chopper by 12.25 PM on Tuesday three days after BJP forged formal poll pact with BPF at the residence of BJP president Amit Shah’s residence in New Delhi.

Modi addressed a public rally organised by Bodoland Peoples Front(BPF) partyin . Modi in his speech sounded poll bugle for the upcoming Assam assembly polls said that the state has received raw deal even after the country had its Prime Minister from the state for ten years. Modi said that the Congress governments both in Delhi and Dispur have done precious little for Assam for 15 years.

“Now they have been demanding all these from me within 15 months. Is it justified?,” said the prime minister.

Modi said, “Assam should not have any problem in the state. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who represents Assam, was in the office for ten years. This is apart from the nearly 15 year old Congress government. But how problems after problems have been confronting the state. Thus the people of Assam have been getting only promises for these 15 years and nothing else. The Prime Minister claimed to have done something solid task for sustainable development of the north eastern region. We want the details of the utilization of funds meant for the north eastern region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew a huge applause from nearly 3 lakh people who thronged Kokrajhar to listen to him in the morning. His promises include deem university status for Central Institute of technology within a year. But the main promise is missing in his speech. He promised to ensure ST status for the Bodo people living in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts. But it would take time. According to Modi, after the recommendation from the ministry, it would be tabled in the cabinet for recommendation. Then it would be tabled in Parliament. He further announced an official process to accord ST status for the Bodo people living in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts saying that the ministry has recommended it and it would be approved by the cabinet before taking up in Parliament.

But much to utter disappointment, the Prime Minister kept silent on the much-hyped Rs 1000 crore financial package for BTAD development. For the last couple of months, BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary has been talking of the huge package.

Even hours after Modi’s arrival, the BPF president hoped the huge package. But the Prime Minister was silent on the request. “The promises were not so solid. We are not so satisfied with the promises. The promise is missing. We would discuss it after the programme is over,” said a BPF leader.

Modi also promise to revive Rupsi airport to the service of defense and civil and extension of rail service to Barak valley from lower Assam, besides stressing more development and unity in the state. 

Hagrama Mohilary,BTC Chief said, “It was a grand success of public rally where PM Modi expressed his willingness to make more development.Though Modi was not say something about special packages to the region,we expect funds from centre in coming days”.He has extended his thanked to PM Modi for his granting ST (Hills) to the Bodo Kochary peoples of Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao districts. 

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Reporting from Kokrajhar
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