Centre offers to set up working group to solve Bodo crisis

The Centre has offered to set up a working group of concerned parties to evolve a solution to the Bodo crisis.

The offer was made by Home Minister Indrajit Gupta on Thursday during a four-hour tripartite talk with the Centre, the Assam government and nearly 25 members of the various Bodo groups.

The meeting was the first tripartite interface on this contentious issue since the accord was signed four years ago. It proposed to examine all aspects of the Bodo problem.

However, some Bodo groups remained adamant on the demand for a separate Bodoland state. But their demand did not receive any response from a majority of the other factions. Several groups have sought one week's time to consider the offer. The talks will resume immediately after the groups give their consent.

Assam Chief Minister P K Mahanta and seven ministerial colleagues, Home Secretary K Padmanabhaiah, and representatives of the various Bodo groups were present at the talks.

The home minister urged the Bodo leaders to ensure that peace was maintained in the state at all costs. He said the Centre was serious about finding a lasting solution to the problem. The meeting also considered the proposal regarding the full implementation of the 1993 Bodo accord.

In pursuance of the provisions of the accord, the Bodoland Autonomous Council Act was passed by the state legislature which had received the assent of the President in 1993.

An interim Bodo council was also set up. However, no formal election to the council could be held on account of differences regarding its jurisdiction.

EARLIER REPORT:
Hope for Assam