Assam: ABSU demands full implementation of Bodo Accord, announces statewide rallies

The All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) on Sunday, October 12 held a press conference at its central office, Bodofa House, in Kokrajhar, announcing a series of measures to press for the full implementation of the Bodo Peace Accord.

Addressing the media, ABSU President Dipen Boro said that during a special representative meeting held on October 8 in Rangia, the Union passed several critical resolutions, including a strong demand for the complete execution of the Bodo Accord signed on January 27, 2020.

“If the provisions of the Bodo Accord are not fully implemented soon, ABSU will be compelled to launch massive democratic movements across the region,” Boro warned.

To intensify their demand, the Union announced a series of district-level rallies across Assam in the last week of October, followed by a protest programme in New Delhi in late November.

ABSU also urged the Government of India to pass the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the upcoming parliamentary session, which is aimed at ensuring full political and economic safeguards for the Bodo people.

On the issue of granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six other communities in Assam, ABSU emphasized that such a move must not compromise the rights and benefits of the existing 14 ST communities. “We are not against anyone, but any decision must ensure it does not dilute the constitutional safeguards of current tribal communities,” Boro stated.

The Union further demanded that the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) be conducted for Bodo candidates residing in Karbi Anglong, noting that discussions on the matter are already underway with Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu.

Reiterating a long-standing demand, ABSU called for the provincialisation of schools in Bodo regions, ensuring they are brought under government management as per the provisions of the Bodo Accord.

Additionally, the Union expressed concern over the rising trend of alcohol consumption, gambling, drug abuse, and other anti-social activities, urging authorities to take immediate and strict action to curb these social threats.