Government committed to ensuring progress and prosperity for Bodo community: PM Modi

Prime Minister Modi assures progress and prosperity for Bodo community, highlighting peace accords and development initiatives in Assam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (November 15, 2024) said the Bharatiya Janata Party-led governments at the Centre and in Assam were committed to ensuring the progress and prosperity for the Bodo community.

Speaking at the inauguration of the first Bodoland Mohotsov in Delhi, Mr. Modi described it as an emotional moment for him. “For 50 years, there was violence and three to four generations of youth were badly affected. However, today the Bodos are celebrating a festival of peace,” he said.

The Prime Minister said: “This did not happen easily, it took a great deal of patience. One by one, you have untangled the knots... and today, you have created a new history.”

Mr. Modi recounted his visit to Kokrajhar in 2020, after the Bodo Peace Accord. “The warmth and the affection I received made me feel like I was among my own. I will never forget that moment. Even after four years, the same love, enthusiasm, and the warmth is there… That day, I had told my Bodo brothers and sisters that the morning of peace and prosperity has arrived in Bodoland.”

“Looking at your enthusiasm today, I can say with confidence that the foundation for a bright future for the Bodo people has been laid. In the past four years, Bodoland has seen tremendous progress,” said Mr. Modi.

The Prime Minister said the Bodo Peace Accord also opened doors for many other peace accords in the northeast. “In Assam alone, over 10,000 young people have left the path of violence and returned to the mainstream of development,” he said, adding that those involved in Naxal activities should learn from the Bodo community.

Speaking about government initiatives, Mr. Modi said the Central government had provided a special package of ₹1,500 crore for the development of Bodoland and the State government gave a special development package. Over ₹700 crore was spent on developing infrastructure related to education, health, and culture.