The Centre today decided to set up a three-member expert committee to look into the demand for Bodoland and questioned the locus standi of non- Bodo leaders opposing the Bodo demand for a separate state. As the statehood demand gets shriller and communal lines become taut in Assam, the government seems to have taken the middle path rather than flatly deny Bodoland. Six major pro-Bodoland groups met government officials here today and did not appear completely disappointed as they left. The group, led by All Bodo Students Union, called for a firm message to non-Bodo groups. Absu president Pramod Boro said only statehood would be acceptable and any proposal for an interim settlement would be rejected. Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) MP S.K. Bwiswmuthiary demanded an expert committee to look into the demand. The Centre agreed to the demands for a firm stand against non-Bodos and setting up of a committee. “We could form a three-member committee that could have, say, six months to look into the various aspects of the demand for Bodoland and submit a report,” a government source said. The home ministry will send a proposal for setting up the committee to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The terms of reference or composition of the committee has not been decided yet. Unlike the Centre’s stand in similar circumstances on starting a “process” to look into the Telangana demand in 2009, this one seems to be more of a step to cool frayed nerves and take on the issue in a structured fashion. On non-Bodo leaders protesting against the statehood demand, Shambhu Singh, joint secretary (Northeast) in the home ministry, who piloted the talks, told reporters: “Who represents the non-Bodos? I don’t think anyone representing the non-Bodos is from the Bodo areas. They are fishing in troubled waters.” As Singh spoke to reporters, members of the Absu, Bodoland People’s Progressive Front (BPPF) and the People’s Joint Action Committee for Bodoland Movement (PJACBM) could be seen nodding in approval. Making an aggressive pitch for a separate state, Boro said the Bodos were looking for an “inclusive state” and non-Bodos should not have a problem with it. Later, after a separate round of talks, Bodo National Conference president Hagrama Mohilary went to the extent of saying that non-Bodo groups should be banned. “What do you mean by ‘non’?” he asked. He said non-Bodo outfits have been propped up by vested interests and “a political party” from the area. All the groups have a common demand but it is the Absu and the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) factions that call the shots. The democratically elected BPF has often said that it wants the Assam government to hand over “home and finance portfolios” to the Bodoland Territorial Council’s list of subjects. Absu, however, is firm. “An interim arrangement will not work. It has to be statehood,” said Boro. The Absu president illustrated his view by pointing out how the Dimasas had been given Sixth Scheduled status but after decades, were now asking for a separate state. The third round of talks will be held next month. - Chandan Rabha.
Posted on: Thu, 28 Nov 2013 07:36:30 +0000
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