The Centre today signed an accord with the Assam-based different insurgent groups and civil societies including the National Democratic Front of Bodoland. The tripartite agreement was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Joint Secretary in the Union Home Ministry Satyendra Garg, Assam Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna and top leadership of the four factions of the NDFB signed the agreement. The accord will provide political, economic, executive and land rights to Bodo tribals and also will safeguard their cultural and linguistic identities. The Centre and State Government will provide financial assistance of 1,500 crore rupees for economic development of the community.
Speaking after the agreement, Home Minister Amit Shah said that this historic pact will pave a new path of peace and development in Assam and North Eastern states. He said, during all these years of Bodo conflict, over four thousand innocent people were killed. He said, next of kin of the people, who lost their lives in the conflict, will be given financial assistance of five lakh rupees by the government.

The Home Minister said that on the death anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi this year, the insurgents will surrender and join the mainstream. He said, government will fulfill all the promises made to the Bodo people.

Speaking on the agreement, Assam Chief Minister Sarbanada Sonowal said, this agreement will maintain the territorial integrity of Assam and will also provide opportunity for holistic development of  Bodo community.

A commission will be appointed under the Sixth Schedule after the agreement. The commission will include representatives of State Government and other stakeholders. It will submit its recommendations within six months from the date of notification.

It is the third tripartite agreement to end the violence in the region. Earlier, the tripartite agreements in 1993 and 2003 were signed leading to creation of Bodoland Autonomous and Bodoland Territorial Councils. All Bodo Student Union and its associated organizations and different factions of National Democratic Front of Bodoland had been raising the demand for separate statehood. Negotiations were held with Bodo organizations for a comprehensive and final solution to their demands while keeping intact the territorial integrity of Assam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi  has said that the tripartite accord with Bodo groups will further protect and popularize the unique culture of the Bodo people.

In a tweet, Mr. Modi said, they will get access to a wide range of development oriented initiatives. He added that  the Centre is  committed to doing everything possible to help the Bodo people realize their aspirations.