Context

Assam is celebrating the first anniversary of the historic Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) agreement.

About

• What is Bodo Accord?

• The Bodo Accord, was signed in New Delhi on January 27 last year by the Centre with all four factions of-
  • National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB)
  • the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU)
  • United Bodo Peoples’ Organisation (UBPO)
• It was expected to end decades old violent demand for a separate Bodoland state and bring peace to areas dominated by Bodos, the largest tribe in Assam.
• This is the third peace deal with Bodo rebel groups.

Quick details of the Accord The number of seats in BTAD will be increased from 40 to 60 A central university will be set up at Barama in the name of Upendra Nath Brahma Special industrial policy for BTAD Railway coach factory to be set up in BTAD area Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre to be set up at Udalguri, Baksa and Chirang DC, SP will be appointed in consultation with BTC authority A National Sports University will be set up Autonomous Welfare Council for the Bodo people living outside BTAD areas GOI to expedite the process of granting Hills tribe status to Bodos living in Hills areas A veterinary college will be set up at Kumarikata A central university and RIIMS will be set up in Udalguri Special industrial policy for BTAD

The previous pacts

• This is the third pact signed between the government with Bodo tribes so far.
• 1993: All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) and the government of India signed the first agreement in 1993.
  • The deal helped in the creation of Bodoland Autonomous Council.
  • The Bodos were unsatisfied with the pact as their demands were not met which led to an armed movement for a separate Bodoland.
• 2003: In 2003, the second agreement was signed between Government of India and extremist group Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT).
  • This pact led to the formation of BTC within four districts - Udalguri, Chirang, Baska and Kokrajhar.
  • These areas are commonly called the Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD).

Who are Bodo?

• The Bodo people are the largest tribe of Assam settled in the northern part of the Brahmaputra river valley.

It is estimated that the Bodo tribe comprise 28 per cent of Assam's population.