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The Hindu
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Frontier of progress: On the potential of the northeast
That unity in diversity is India's strength might sound clichéd, but it is as true as ever. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking at the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 last week, cited the diversity of India's northeastern region to underscore the vast diversity of the country. The northeast is rich in its cultural diversity and natural resources, and its location, topography and complex histories make it a unique space. But its numerous linguistic, tribal and cultural affinities can be a source of conflict within the Indian state. At times, these conflicts can be violent as the one in Manipur, which erupted on May 3, 2023, and is still simmering between the Kuki and Meiti communities. The Modi government and State governments in the region have sought to turn the region into an attractive destination for investors and tourists. The Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, the Bhupen Hazarika bridge in Assam, the construction of 11,000 kilometres of highways, extensive new rail lines, more airports, the development of waterways on the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, the expansion of mobile telephony, and a 1,600-km-long Northeast Gas Grid are examples of the new dynamism of the region. The Modi government has built on the initiatives of its predecessor United Progressive Alliance governments. Mr. Modi has also sought to settle many a conflict in the region in the last decade. The Framework Agreement with the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) in August 2015, although nebulous now, the Bodo Peace Accord and the Bru refugee settlement (both in January 2020), and the rollback of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from a larger part of the region have been some of the steps signalling the Centre's intent. The change in perception about the northeast and its green cover has led to a surge in tourism and attracted investments, headlined by the Tata Group's ₹27,000-crore semiconductor plant coming up in Assam. But the challenges remain. Apart from Manipur, there is the perception in Nagaland that the Centre has lost interest in the peace process. Inter-State border disputes also continue to haunt the region, although Assam has partially resolved its issues with Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. The investments have increased the demand for power and the focus on hydroelectric projects, most in Arunachal Pradesh, has triggered local protests fearing displacement and environmental damage in a region that is prone to natural disasters. Increased rhetoric by the Bharatiya Janata Party about immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar has heightened social tensions. If India has to meaningfully pursue its Act East policy, by integrating the northeast more closely with the east Asian economies, then its policies within the borders and toward the neighbouring countries should be in alignment.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
NDFB ex-cadre held in Golaghat for illegal firearm possession
1 2 Dibrugarh: Golaghat police on Sunday arrested a former cadre of the disbanded National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) in the Ratanpur area under Merapani police station and seized an illegal .22 LR rifle and a magazine from him. The arrested individual, identified as Chanakya Ramchiary , had surrendered to security forces in 2007 and had since reintegrated into mainstream society. Ramchiary was apprehended following a tip-off, leading to a raid at his residence in the Madhya Panbari area of Golaghat. Police sources confirmed that the firearm was illegally procured from Nagaland, which shares a border with the district. "We received specific intelligence regarding the illegal possession of firearms and conducted a targeted operation. The suspect was apprehended without incident, and the illegal weapon was confiscated immediately. Preliminary interrogation revealed that he purchased the weapon from NagalandLegal proceedings have been initiated against him under the Arms Act for unlawful possession of the firearm," said a senior police official. The NDFB, once a prominent militant outfit in Assam, disbanded in 2020 following the signing of the Bodo Peace Accord with the Central government. The accord marked the end of decades of insurgency in the Bodo-dominated regions of Assam. Police said that further investigation is underway to determine if Ramchiary had maintained any connections with active insurgent elements or was involved in other illegal activities. "We are probing the source of the firearm and whether he had any accomplices," the police official added.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Amit Shah renames Delhi road to honour Bodo leader Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma
Guwahati: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday inaugurated a prominent road renamed after Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma and unveiled a statue of the legendary Bodo leader and activist in the national capital. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Nuclear Power! How India and Pakistan's arsenals stack up Does America have a plan to capture Pakistan's nuclear weapons? Airspace blockade: India plots a flight path to skip Pakistan A stretch of Lala Lajpat Rai Marg in South Delhi has been renamed to Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma Marg, after the prominent Bodo social activist and leader. The MCD has approved the 50-metre wide and 835 metre long road from A5-A18 Kailash Colony to Lala Lajpat Rai Marg A-5/A-6 as Bodofa Upendranath Brahma Marg following directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs . 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by Popularly known as 'Bodofa', which means 'father or guardian of the Bodos', Brahma served as President of ABSU and devoted his life to espousing the cause of education and well-being of the Bodo community before he died in harness at a young age of 34 due to cancer in 1990. Speaking at a public meeting commemorating the 35th death anniversary of the Bodo leader at Kailash Colony MCD Park, Union Home Minister Shah said these initiatives have been taken in recognition of Upendra Nath Brahma's outstanding contributions to the Bodo community and society at large. "Bodofa's clarion call 'live and let live' must resonate far and wide," he said. Live Events The Home Minister said he felt elated at having fulfilled the promise of renaming a major road in Delhi and unveiling a 9 ft statue of Bodofa on the occasion of his 35th death anniversary. "What we promise, we fulfil, and I am happy that the announcement I made in Kokrajhar during a rally has come to fruition following the renaming of a major road in Kailash Colony after Bodofa and unveiling the statue of the legendary leader, to whom we all look up to with awe and reverence," he said. Shah emphasised that the Modi Government is wholly committed to realising Bodofa's vision for Bodoland. The Union Minister reaffirmed the Modi Government's unwavering commitment to implementing the BTR Peace Accord in toto before the Assam Assembly elections slated next year. "Since the signing of the Bodo Peace Accord in 2020, we have implemented 96% of the accord and the remaining one or two clauses will be done before the State Assembly elections in 2026," he added. The Home Minister said Bodoland once known for violence and unrest is now an oasis of peace and development. Shah said the Bodo youth would no longer have to fight for their rights, assuring them of every help and assistance from the Modi Government. "You have every right as other citizens of the country and you no longer have to feel inferior in any manner. The Bodos and other ethnic communities have every right, as you and me, and other citizens of the country," he quipped. The Home Minister said the Northeast region, a treasure trove of culture, have seen rapid transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Since the signing of 20 Peace Accords and inter-state border dispute settlements during the tenure of Prime Minister Modiji and the surrendering of 10,500 militants and their joining the mainstream, Assam and other States of the Northeast region are marching triumphantly on the path of peace and prosperity," he said. Shah praised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for fast-track development and highlighted the success of the investment summit which has positioned Assam as an attractive investment hub. Addressing the gathering, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma thanked Home Minister Amit Shah for taking forward the proposal and translating it into reality. "The road in Kailash Colony renamed as Bodofa Upendranath Brahma Marg fulfills a commitment made to the people of BTR by Adarniya Griha Mantri Amit Shah ji", Dr. Sarma added. It may be recalled that Home Minister Shah while addressing the 57th annual conference of ABSU in Kokrajhar on March 16 this year, had announced the move to name a road in Delhi after Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma. Praising Bodofa for adopting ahimsa in his struggle for asserting the rights of the Bodo community, Sarma said, "Bodofa dedicated his life to building an inclusive society. His ideals continue to guide and motivate generations towards collective progress." The Chief Minister reiterated the government's commitment to Bodoland's overall development. 'The Bodo community has always been an integral part of Assam's rich cultural heritage. We are committed to fulfilling Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma's vision," he opined. Sarma said the Bodo Peace Accord has been the harbinger of peace and development in the BTR. He said a session of the Assam Assembly was held in Kokrajhar to drive home the message loud and clear that peace has reigned supreme in BTR. Sarma also announced that a publication on the life and times of Bodofa will be brought out in Hindi, as suggested by the Home Minister. The Chief Minister also mentioned the initiatives taken by the Government of Assam and Government of India to uphold the ideals of Lachit Barphukan, who vanquished the Mughals , by organising his 400th birth anniversary in Delhi. He said a jungle warfare school in Madhya Pradesh will be renamed after the great general and his courage and valour documented in all the Indian languages with textbooks already incorporating his life and times in the school curriculum by some States. "Never before tribal and ethnic leaders got such respect and recognition then it has been during the rule of BJP Governments in States and at the Centre," he added. CEM, BTR Pramod Boro, in his welcome address, said Bodofa was a visionary leader and social activist who worked for the rights, identity and uplift of the Bodo community. Boro said naming a major road and unveiling a statue in the national capital is a historic tribute to Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma's enduring legacy, and thanked the Prime Minister and the Home Minister for giving respect and recognition to the Bodo leader in the national capital. "This national recognition honours Bodofa's life-long dedication to the upliftment of India's tribal communities and brings his visionary ideals to the heart of the nation," he quipped. In his concluding address, ABSU President Dipen Boro lauded Bodofa's revolutionary life, emphasising his role in galvanising the Bodos to embrace their identity, language, culture, and traditions. Reflecting on Bodofa's legacy, Boro remarked, "Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma lived a revolutionary life, igniting the Bodos to realise their identity and existence with their language, culture, and traditions." The ABSU President highlighted Bodofa's pivotal leadership during his tenure as the President of ABSU, a position he held until his untimely demise in 1990.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Shah to open road renamed after Brahma in Delhi tomorrow
1 2 Guwahati: A new road in the national capital will be named after Bodofa Upendranath Brahma , joining the ranks of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi and Manipuri freedom fighter Tikendrajit Singh. Union home minister Amit Shah will unveil the road and a statue of Brahma, with Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma in attendance on Thursday. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has decided to rename a portion of Lala Lajpat Rai Marg in South Delhi as Bodofa Upendranath Brahma Marg. Brahma was an influential leader who advocated for the rights, identity and advancement of the Bodo community in Assam. United People's Party Liberal president and Bodoland Territorial Council chief Pramod Boro said, "Bodofa (Father of the Bodo community) started a movement in March 1987 for the political rights for the uplift of the Bodo community, backward at that time, and for the protection of the language and the culture of the community. The Bodo community, while moving ahead on the path shown by Bodofa, received the historic peace accord in 2020, and the Bodo language also received recognition by the Constitution. The community has also progressed a lot as far as the culture of the community is concerned." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unglaublich: Der Rechner zeigt sofort den Wert Ihres Hauses an [schauen Sie sich das an] Hauswert Undo Boro, former president of All Bodo Students' Union (Absu), expressed pride in having a road in the national capital named after the Bodo community's leader. The Bodo Peace Accord , signed on January 27, 2020, between the Indian government, Assam government, and various Bodo groups, including National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) factions, established lasting peace in the Bodoland region. The accord addresses the Bodo people's concerns regarding identity, land rights, and development. The 92nd Amendment Act of 2003 granted constitutional recognition to the Bodo language. Absu has planned to illuminate 5 lakh earthen lamps or candles across the Bodoland Territorial Region, comprising Baksa, Udalguri, Tamulpur, Kokrajhar and Chirang districts. The renamed 835-metre, 50-foot wide road near Kailash Colony Metro Station runs alongside the Bodoland Guest House. A statue of Bodofa will be unveiled at Kailash Colony roundabout during the ceremony, marking his 35th death anniversary. Absu president Dipen Boro said, "Bodofa dedicated his life to building an inclusive society where people could live with dignity and secure their rightful place. His ideas continue to guide generations towards peaceful change and collective progress." He expressed his gratitude to PM Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, and CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for realising this tribute. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Marg in New Delhi, where Assam House is situated, honours Assam's premier from Feb 1946 to Jan 1950 and chief minister until August 1950. Bir Tikendrajit Marg commemorates Tikendrajit Singh, who led the 1891 rebellion against British forces during the Anglo-Manipur War.
