Guwahati: Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the success of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Peace Agreement while addressing the 57th Annual Conference of the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU). Speaking to a large gathering, he emphasized that the agreement, signed on January 27, 2020, has played a crucial role in ensuring long-term peace and stability in the region, countering earlier skepticism about its effectiveness.
Shah recalled that when the BTR Peace Agreement was signed, critics, particularly from the Congress party, had dismissed it as an ineffective measure. However, he highlighted that 82% of its provisions have already been implemented through coordinated efforts by both the Assam and Union governments. Expressing confidence in the initiative’s progress, he assured that within the next two years, the agreement would be fully executed, securing a peaceful and prosperous future for Bodoland.
Asserting the government’s commitment to regional stability, Shah pointed to the removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the entire BTR area on April 1, 2022. He described this as a landmark moment, underscoring the region’s transition from conflict to development. He also spotlighted the economic and cultural growth in Bodoland, particularly the rising national demand for Kokrajhar’s mushrooms under the One District One Product initiative, which has now reached high-end hotels in Delhi.
Bodoland’s growing reputation in the sports arena was also a focal point of Shah’s speech. He commended the region for successfully hosting the Durand Cup and encouraged young athletes to set their sights on global competition. With India set to host the 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad, Shah urged the youth of Bodoland to seize the opportunity and make a mark on the international stage. His remarks reinforced the government’s broader vision of integrating the region into the national mainstream through economic, cultural, and sports-driven initiatives.
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