ABSU chief urges UPPL-BPF unity, flags delay in BTR Accord’s constitutional amendment

All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) President Dipen Boro has issued a statement on the ongoing efforts to unify the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), as well as the status of the Bodo Territorial Region (BTR) Accord.

Boro said that under ABSU’s leadership, 16 Bodo organisations have appealed for the unification of the two regional parties in the interest of unity and development. 

A recent meeting attended by Assam Cabinet Minister UG Brahma and BTR Chief Pramod Boro aimed at fostering this unity, but the BPF did not respond, leading to the failure of the much-anticipated merger. He added that ABSU would reassess possibilities of cooperation or unification after the upcoming BTC elections.

On the BTR Accord, Boro stated that a majority of the clauses have already been implemented, including the extension of BTR areas and the release of ex-NDFB cadres whose cases were under the jurisdiction of the NIA. However, he expressed concern over the pending 125th Constitutional Amendment, which remains stuck in the Rajya Sabha despite multiple discussions with the central government.

He announced that ABSU is planning a peaceful, non-violent movement to press for its early passage. Looking ahead to the BTC Council elections, Boro clarified that ABSU’s support will depend on which party shows a strong commitment to fully implementing the BTR Accord.

Boro reiterated that the Union’s backing will go only to the party that prioritises the fulfilment of the Accord’s provisions.

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