Government Ignoring and Isolating Bodos as 'Tribals', Laments ABSU Leader Pramod Boro

Guwahati, December 28, 2019:

All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU) leader Pramod Boro on Friday opined that the Bodo people have been left behind by the other communities, and are neglected and isolated by the Government.

The student leader, speaking on the lines of the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, said "People have asked us whether we are supporting the protests against the CAA. To this we have said, any legislation that imperils the indigenous will never be accepted by us." At the same time, Boro acknowledged that the protests have the "moral support" of the student body.

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Boro further added that the ABSU is not actively participating in the protests, as the Bodo community is often targeted for any disturbance in Assam. "No terrorists are called by community except for Bodos. When the Assam Government screws up, that is also blamed on the Bodo community. So, we thought we should not ignite the fire of violence again."

Bodo also lamented that despite supporting and respecting the other communities, the Bodos of Assam have been isolated as 'tribals'. "We took part in the C(A)A protest -- we took part in the NRC protest -- simply to appease people. But we are neither supported by the Bengalis nor by anyone else. We acquiesce to everything, but we are isolated. Who are we living for? For ourselves or for someone else? We respect everyone, but kindly let us lead our lives the way we wish to."

The student leader also lamented that the Bodo script, despite being included in the 6th schedule of languages, still has to make a mark in the social fabric of Assam. Opposing the Government move to assign Assamese as the official language, the ABSU leader stated that it would tear the society further apart.

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