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17th Bodoland Day celebrated

By AT Kokrajhar Bureau |
CM Sarbananda Sonowal attended Bodoland Day 2019
CM Sarbananda Sonowal attended Bodoland Day 2019

The 17th Bodoland Day was celebrated on Sunday at Green Field near BTC Secretariat Bodofa Nwgwr in Kokrajhar to mark the BTC accord signed in between centre  state and former BLT leaders on February 9, 2003.

 The BTC administration organized the day with befitting programme scheduled which saw a grand gathering from different districts of the council region .

 The programme was started by homage to Bodoland martyrs at Debargaon Bodoland Martyrs Cemetery ground and homage to Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma,father of the Bodos.

 BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary hoisted national flag at the celebration venue in the presence of huge gathering on the occasion

 As a mark of tribute to the supreme sacrifice of martyrs laid down their life for the cause of autonomy, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal handed over cheques worth Rs 5 lakhs each to 20 martyrs family at a function synchronizing with the 17th Bodlabe Day at Kokrajhar today.

It may be noted that altogether 2624 martyrs' family will be given Rs. 5 lakhs each by the State government through BTC authority in recognition to their supreme sacrifices which resulted in to signing of Bodo Accord in 2003 between Government of India, Government of Assam and Bodo Liberation Tiger.

Speaking on the occasion attending as chief guest Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal termed the day as historic and paid his tributes to Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma and other martyrs. He said that Kokrajhar along with other areas once considered as disturbed areas has now become an epitome of peace and development.

 Since 2003 the BTC areas witnessed unprecedented growth and development. Laying foundation stone for Medical college and able to establish, University, engineering college, CIT etc. in different areas of four districts speaks volume of development narratives being initiated in BTC areas. BTC has exemplified development which is evident from the infrastructural growth in different areas being unleashed for people belonging to different caste, class, community and ethnicity. Speaking on the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 and ST Status to 6 community, Sonowal said some vested interests are spreading canards in the pretext of these issues to fulfil their ulterior motive. He also said six communities will be given ST status without disturbing the rights and privileges of the existing STs. He also said that his government is committed to safeguard the interests of indigenous people of the state as the budget presented this year has made substantial allotment for the promotion, preservation and patronage of linguistic, cultural and educational values of the indigenous communities of the state. Speaking on the development initiaves of the present State government, Sonowal said that to bolster development the Investment Summit held in Assam witnessed investment proposals worth Rs 79000 crore. However within one year of the Summit expression of interest for  Rs 50000 crore has been made. He also thanked BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary and his colleagues for spearheading a peaceful ambiance in BTC areas which has also catalysed in expediting the rate of development in the State.

Considering the immense role played by Upen Brahma in the context of growth and  development in BTC areas he said a State Level Award will be instituted in the name of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma,who is regarded as father of the Bodos.

 BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary while speaking on the occasion thanked people and organizations for helping in getting Bodo Accord signed which according to him led the development of BTC areas. He also said the BTC is committed to bring about development of all sections of the people living in the BTCareas.

On the occasion people belonging to different communities clad in their traditional dress adorned the meeting ground.

Chief Minister Sonowal also presented Promod Chandra Brahma Literary Award to noted writer and Sahitya Akademy awardee Janil Kumar Brahma, Nileswar Brahma Award to noted singer Sulekha Basumatary and Excellence in Sports Award to ace archer Pallabi Boro.

Social Welfare Minister Pramila Rani Brahma, Tourism Minister Chandan Brahma, PHE Minister Rhion Daimari, Deputy BTC Chief Kampa Borgoyari, MP Biswajit Daimari and a host of dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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