Bodo Accord a victory for peace, says PM Modi in Kokrajhar

February 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visited Kokrajhar in Assam on Friday to participate in an event to celebrate the signing of the Bodo pact. This is PM Modi’s first visit to the state after the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). Addressing a gathering that he himself described as the largest political one in India since Independence, PM Modi hailed the Bodo Accord as a victory for peace.

Prime Minister Modi said that his government had agreed to every demand in the deal and now the biggest focus will be development of the region. “I welcome all those who were part of the Bodo Land Movement and have joined the mainstream. After five decades, with full harmony, the expectations and aspirations of every partner associated with the Bodo Land Movement have been respected,” said the PM.

The Prime Minister also said, “Never again will a brother, sister, mother or father ever lose a member of their family. Mothers whose children have returned from the wilderness are blessing me today. So many families have been reconciled.”

Delighted to be in Kokrajhar. Watch. https://t.co/w4Q5kPPuhJ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 7, 2020

As regards CAA, PM Modi said, “There was a misinformation campaign underway that was to blame for the protests. “There groups that are spreading misinformation that CAA will pave the way for people to come outside and settle here… I am here to assure you that nothing of that sort will happen.”

However, PM Modi took another swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for the his stick remark. Modi said that sometimes people talk about beating with sticks, but those sticks will have no effect on Modi as he is blessed and protected by the blessing of sisters and mothers.

The Bodo agreement was signed on January 27 by the Central government with four factions of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), All Bodo Students’ Union and a civil society group. It is aimed at bringing a lasting peace in Bodo-dominated areas in Assam.

By bringing #Northeast from the periphery to India's mainstream, PM Shri @narendramodi ji has made possible something that seemed impossible untill some time back.

His sustained endeavour has truly turned Assam into India's gateway to ASEAN.#BodoPeaceAccord#AssamWelcomesModi pic.twitter.com/Q99hmmZtfq

— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) February 7, 2020

In his speech, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “By bringing #Northeast from the periphery to India’s mainstream, PM Shri @narendramodiji has made possible something that seemed impossible untill some time back. His sustained endeavour has truly turned Assam into India’s gateway to ASEAN.” Earlier during the day, the Prime Minister was received by Chief Minister Sonowal, Himanta Biswa Sarma and other ministers and government officials at the airport.