Former NDFB leader Bhupen Boro seeks full implementation of 2020 BTR Peace Accord

Former National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) leader Bhupen Boro on Monday, September 14 called for the complete implementation of the 2020 Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Peace Accord, saying all provisions of the agreement must be honoured to consolidate the peace achieved after decades of armed conflict in the region.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 38th Martyrs’ Day programme in Kokrajhar, Boro said the implementation of the accord was a shared responsibility of the government and former members of the armed movement.

“We want the peace accord to be implemented in full. It is our responsibility, as well as the government’s, to honour this accord, which brought an end to the 34-year-long armed struggle,” Boro said.

The 38th Martyrs’ Day was observed at the Jwhwlao Daimalu playground in Karigaon, Kokrajhar, to commemorate B Bangburgra, also known as Bangbur Gwra Basumatary, regarded as the first martyr of the NDFB.

The programme was organised by the former NDFB United Forum and attended by former NDFB leaders and cadres, family members of those who died during the armed movement and other supporters.

Boro also called for the implementation of all provisions of the 2020 BTR Peace Accord and sought the release of NDFB chairman Ranjan Daimary and other cadres who continue to remain in jail.

The event saw former NDFB leaders and cadres, representatives of martyrs’ families and other well-wishers pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the decades-long armed movement.

The 2020 BTR Peace Accord was signed between the Centre, the Assam government and representatives of the Bodo groups, including the NDFB factions, with the objective of ending the prolonged armed movement and strengthening peace and development in the Bodo-majority areas of Assam.