A TRIPARTITE accord signed in New Delhi in January 2020 by representatives of Bodo organisations with the Central and Assam governments, presents a new model of power sharing and governance in Assam under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The Bodo parties to the agreement include the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU), the United Bodo People’s Organisation (UBPO) and all the four factions of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB). 

This model reduces the dependence of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), constituted under the Sixth Schedule, on the State government for funds, provides scope for expansion of the territory, and empowers the BTC to have a say in the appointment of Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police although the Home and Police departments will continue to be with the State government. The augmented area and powers of the BTC.

The peace accord has brought the curtain down on over three decades of insurgency in Bodoland areas, which is critical for the return of peace in the Bodo heartland. However, the opposition to the accord voiced by organisations of non-Bodo communities, including Koch-Rajbangshis, Adivasis and religious and linguistic minorities.

The accord seeks to rename and redraw the tribal council. Protest programmes by non-Bodo organisations in the BTAD against the accord, on the other hand, reflected the mixed reaction and complexities involved in finding solutions to territory-linked ethno-nationalist identity assertions.

The Assam government will set up a Bodo-Kachari Autonomous Council, which will be a satellite council for the focussed development of Bodo villages outside the BTR on the lines of the existing six councils for plains tribes. The accord also promises Scheduled Tribe status to Bodos living in the hill districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao. Student bodies of the hill districts have opposed this provision in the accord on the grounds that it will “infringe upon the rights enjoyed by Karbis and Dimasas”.

Describing the accord as the “final and comprehensive solution”, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Assam’s territorial integrity was assured as every single Bodo group had come on board. Speaking at the accord signing event, he said that over 4,000 lives had been lost during the Bodoland agitation. The accord promises that the Assam government will provide a compensation of Rs.5 lakh to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the agitation.

Hailing the accord, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “The accord between the Bodo groups and Govt will strengthen the unity and integrity of Assam. I welcome decision of my Bodo friends for leaving violence and reposing faith in democracy & Constitution.”

The Prime Minister said: “After signing this historic agreement with Bodo organisations, foremost priority of our government is development of Bodo areas. Work has begun on a comprehensive Rs.1,500 crore package. Our special focus will be on ease of living and ensuring that Bodos benefit fully from government schemes.”