Assam: BTC CEM slams secretariat arson, calls for protection of democratic institutions

Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Hagrama Mohilary strongly criticized the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) and the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) for the violent incident of arson and vandalism of the assembly hall of BTC Secretariat on November 29 , reaffirming that such violent disruptions have no place in a democratic setup.

The Assam Government and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) jointly conducted a high-level review meeting on Monday, December 1 at the BTC Secretariat in Kokrajhar to assess progress on key developmental initiatives across the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).

The meeting was attended by Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, Cabinet Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, MLA Charan Boro, Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, BTC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Hagrama Mohilary, BTC Deputy Chief Rihan Daimary, and other Executive Members and senior officials.

During the day-long review, officials deliberated on significant infrastructure projects including the proposed Kokrajhar–Gelephu railway link, which is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January. Plans for strengthening Rupsi Airport infrastructure and setting up a new railway coach manufacturing facility in the region also came under discussion.

Speaking to the media, Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said the review focused on sector-wise improvements required to accelerate development under the BTC administration.
“We assessed what further support and interventions are needed across departments to ensure seamless progress in the region,” he stated.

Finance Minister Ajanta Neog reiterated the government’s commitment to timely implementation of central and state schemes in BTR, emphasizing stronger coordination among departments for effective execution of ongoing projects.

The meeting also addressed security concerns following the recent student-led attack on the BTC Legislative Assembly hall. 

“Democratic institutions must function with dignity and order. Acts of violence cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” Mohilary asserted.

The review concluded with both administrations pledging to work collaboratively to ensure inclusive and sustainable development of the Bodoland Territorial Region.