The Bodo insurgent group National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) recently signed a tripartite agreement with the Centre and the Assam Government for suspension of operations. According to the pact, the NDFB under the leadership of its president B Saoraigwra will disown violence and join in peace talks with the government. Active members of the NDFB, including Saoraigwra, were brought back from Myanmar on January 11.
The group carried 25 weapons, more than 50 magazines, more than 900 assorted ammunition and communication equipment with them. Four family members also accompanied the group. Saoraigwra’s group was active in Myanmar, and is only active Bodo insurgent group operating in Assam, seeking a separate Bodo State. They had formed a joint platform namely United National Liberation Front of Western South East Asia along with NSCN-K, and ULFA faction, headed by Paresh Baruah.
The demand for a separate State for the Bodos has been raised for about five decades by several Bodo supporters and militant groups, leading agitations, protests and violence that resulted in many deaths.
Agreements were signed in 1993 and 2003 to resolve the vexed issue. A Bodo Territorial Council under Sixth Schedule of the Constitution was also created in 2003 to meet political, developmental and identity-related aspirations of the Bodos. The MHA officials stated that if a final settlement to the Bodo issue is found while keeping intact the territorial integrity of Assam, it will go a long way in improving the law and order situation and bring prosperity and progress to the State.
