Bodoland Peace Accord 2020 marks a new beginning in BTR: Guv Acharya
KOKRAJHAR,SEP 21: The Governor of Assam, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, graced the grand celebration of the International Day of Peace 2024 as the chief guest being held at the Bodofa Cultural Complex in Kokrajhar- The City of Peace on Saturday.
The event, themed “Cultivating a Culture of Peace in BTR,” aimed to foster unity, dialogue, and collaboration within the Bodoland Territorial Region and beyond which was organised by the government of Bodoland Territorial Region.
Addressing the International Day of Peace, Governor Acharya said that the Peace Accord which was signed on 27 January, 2020 between Government of India, Government of Assam and the representatives of the Bodo groups brought peace in real sense of the term to Bodoland. He on this occasion, besides paying his rich tributes to Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, thanked all sections of the people of Bodoland for making peace and development in BTR a reality. The Governor said that the International Day of Peace celebrated as a part of Bodoland Happiness Mission which was launched in 2023 has been successful in fostering peace, happiness and sustainable development in the BTR. Stating the fact that the Mission emerged from a strong desire to heal the deep wounds left by decades of conflict, the Governor said that Bodoland Happiness Mission is successful in creating a peaceful and harmonious future for BTR’s growth and Sustainable Development Goals. He moreover, said that the mission focuses on human development, social cohesion, and reconciliation, aiming to empower citizens to build a culture of peace and friendly dialogue.
Earlier, in his address to the gathering, Pramod Boro, the chief executive member of BTR, expressed his immense joy over the International Day of Peace being celebrated in the BTR for the first time. He reflected on the region’s past, recalling the state of fear, lack of education, limited livelihood opportunities, and inadequate infrastructure that plagued the area 30-40 years ago. Boro acknowledged the transformative contributions of visionaries like Kalicharan Brahma and Bodofa UN Brahma, whose efforts laid the foundation for peace and progress in the region.
CEM Boro emphasized that, since taking office, his government has ushered in a new era of peace and development, making significant strides in rebuilding infrastructure, fostering reconciliation across different sections of society, and bringing in initiatives such as the Bodoland Happiness Mission, the Vibrant BTR Mission, etc. The CEM also extended his gratitude to those who surrendered arms, joined mainstream and embraced peace. He called on all individuals to reject violence and embrace love and harmony to ensure the continued growth and development of the region.
” It was a pleasure to join His Excellency the Hon’ble Governor of Assam Shri Laxman Acharya Ji, and a host of distinguished dignitaries, at the grand International Day of Peace Celebration, organised under the Bodoland Happiness Mission, at the Bodofa Cultural Complex in Kokrajhar – the City of Peace. Our BTR government has overcome decades of violence and strife, and has emerged today as a beacon of peace and tranquility. We have accomplished this by actively cultivating peace, and nurturing the spirit of harmony among communities in BTR. It remains our primary and unwavering commitment to protect & preserve this hard-won peace, and elevating BTR as an example for the world to emulate”,Boro said.
Delivering the introductory remarks, Principal Secretary Akash Deep highlighted the importance of the day, noting that peace is a pre-requisite for prosperity. He expressed optimism that the peace achieved in the BTR will serve as a lasting foundation for the region’s future development. He also underlined the various initiatives undertaken by both the state and BTC governments to promote peace and well-being in the region.
The programme was also addressed by Senior Journalist, Auth