Will take anti-BJP steps if Bodoland not given: Lawrence Islary

Guwahati, March 2, 2019:

The All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) on Saturday led thousands of people into the streets of Gossaigaon in order to protest against the Government’s neglect of the ‘Bodoland issue’ wherein the people living in the BTAD areas demand a separate state of 'Bodoland'.

Assam state ABSU GS Lorence Islary had some stern words for the BJP Government for not coming through on their pre-election promise of creating a separate Bodoland. “On this day in 1987, the Nikhil Bodo Students’ Union had declared the separatist movement. After 32 years, we have still continued the struggle. On November of last year, Union Home Minister had assured us that there would be a discussion regarding the issue in December and the issue would be resolved”, he said.

“Before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had assured that they would create a separate Bodoland if they came to power. We helped them, and the Government was elected, but despite starting negotiations, they have not taken steps to resolve our problem”, he lamented.

Warning the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha election, he said: “We appeal the Government to resolve the issue within a short period of time and if not, we will be forced to take an anti-BJP stance.”