GUWAHATI(PTI): A decade of violent agitation for a separate Bodoland in eastern India came to an end Feb.20 with the signing of a Tripartite memorandum of settlement by the Bodo leaders, the Assam government and the Center, which granted the Bodo dominated areas of lower Assam the status of an autonomous council.
The signatories were union minister of state for home Rajesh Pilot, state chief minister Hiteswar Saikia, president of the All Bodo students Union §.K.Basumatiary and the additional chief secretary (home affairs) K.S.Rao.
As per the settlement the 40member Bodoland autonomous council would have a separate legislature and executive and have full control over 38 subjects dealing with socioeconomic and cultural development of the area.
The contentious issue of geographical demarcation was solved by including approximately 2,000 villages having more than 50% tribal population in the council.
“The memorandum will help bring peace and progress in the Bodo dominated areas of lower Assam,” the signatories told newspersons here.
As per the memorandum the Bodo militants would surrender their arms and ammunitions to the authorities. About 1000 persons have been killed during the long agitation.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 26, 1993
