BTR Pact Signals End of Bodo Revolution: NDFB (P) Leader Gobinda Basumatary

Udalguri, February 15, 2020:

Gobinda Basumatary, the leader of the 'Progressive' faction of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), has stated that the signing of the tripartite 'BTR' agreement between the Bodo organizations and the Government signals an end to the decades-long revolution in the region.

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Talking to Inside Northeast, Basumatary said that the demand for a separate state Bodoland has also been put on the backburner as the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) pact more or less fulfills the requirements of the Bodo community. "Under the new peace pact, we have now been granted area extension and more autonomy. For now, the revolution is over."

"The demand for a separate state Bodoland, for the meanwhile, has been suspended. The opportunities and privileges that we have been accorded almost put us on par to a full fledged stage", Basumatary said. However, the leader also said that it cannot be said with certitude that the demand for a separate state will never be raised again. "We cannot say what the future generations will demand. Maybe the future generations will raise the calls again, but for now, we are content."

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Upon being asked about the NDFB groups' potential foray into politics, Basumatary remains cautious yet optimistic. hard to speak about politics, cannot say what to do...we are testing the waters as BTC politics is highly sensitive. UPPL, BPF is there, however, a division by entering the polical arena might hamper the peace pact.."

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