Removal of Bodo language display from Assam Assembly could revive Bodoland statehood demand: ABSU

The All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) has expressed concern over the reported removal of the Bodo language display from the Assam Legislative Assembly building, warning that the issue could revive demands for a separate Bodoland state.

In a statement, ABSU president Kwrwmdao Wary described the reported removal of the nameplate as a matter of linguistic dignity, constitutional recognition and the historical struggle of the Bodo community.

Wary said the move could be perceived by the community as a denial of its identity and recognition, despite Bodo being included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

He said the Bodo movement had long sought dignity, identity, recognition and equitable treatment for the community and its language. According to him, the incident raises questions about whether constitutional recognition is being reflected in equal respect and treatment in practice.

The ABSU president argued that the issue extends beyond administrative signage and touches upon the Bodo community’s place in Assam’s political and cultural identity. He said such developments could revive memories of historical marginalisation and deepen concerns about linguistic discrimination.

Wary also warned that the controversy could have wider legal, political and social implications, potentially increasing alienation within the community and strengthening demands for greater autonomy.

Referring to the relationship between linguistic identity and political aspirations in India, he said the issue had renewed the need for discussions on the future of the Bodo people and the protection of their cultural and literary heritage.

He further said the demand for a separate Bodoland state could re-emerge as an option to secure the community’s dignity, recognition and linguistic and cultural identity. Wary added that if the concerns remained unaddressed, the organisation might be compelled to reconsider the Bodo people’s continued existence within Assam.

Maintaining that the controversy was about more than a nameplate, Wary called attention to what he described as the need to translate constitutional promises into practice and recognise the Bodo community’s historical struggle for justice and equality.

The reported removal of the Bodo language display and the circumstances surrounding the decision were not independently established in the statement provided.