ASSAM: BTAD BURNING AGAIN

The Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) region is burning again with protests against the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) after the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) had decided to take away the land rights of the indigenous Koch Rajbongshi, Nepali, Santal and Nath people among others who are living in the BTAD region. Several organizations had called for a 12 hour BTAD bandh on March 1 and a 24 hour bandh today as a protest against the decision taken by the BTC. Sporadic incidents have been reported from several districts of the BTAD. Tension prevails in Sidli in Chirang district after police resorted to baton charge and blank firing to disperse agitated mob. In another incident, an auto rickshaw was set on fire at Soraikun in Kokrajhar district. However, the driver of the auto-rickshaw escaped with minor burn injury. Talking to INSIDENE, Kokrajhar SP Rajen Singh said that four youths have been arrested and three motorcycles seized from them for spreading violence in the district.

Interestingly, the BTC had revoked the decision of taking land rights of the Non-Bodos who are living in the BTAD way back on February 28. However, today’s violence has brought to light that some divisive forces are trying to take advantage of the situation and spread violence amongst the Non-Bodos living in the BTAD.