2 min readNew DelhiMar 4, 2013 01:47 AM IST
First published on: Mar 4, 2013 at 01:47 AM IST
Since the mid-1980s,the National Democratic Front of Bodoland has been fighting for a separate state carved out of Assam. Now,the outlawed militant organisations Progressive faction has indicated peace can take other forms: an IIT,a medical college,a central university,a military academy,hydel projects,renovation of an airport and improved roads ,etc.
The NDFB rival factions have been holding secret talks with the Centre since the June 2005 ceasefire. Sources said the NDFB P headed by Govinda Basumatary submitted the above demands a few weeks back.
On February 10,the Home Ministry sounded out the Ministries of Defence,Power,Agriculture and HRD on the demands. With the ceasefire agreement to expire on June 30,the government will take a call on the demands after hearing from the ministries.
The government is also holding talks with the other NDFB faction,led by jailed leader Ranjan Daimary.
Infrastructure development seems to be the NDFB Ps mantra for peace. The outfit wants the Rupsi airport near Dhubri town to be revived,development of a four-lane national highway 10 km from the Indo-Bhutan border,as well as construction or black-topping of roads to the national highway,etc.
Its other demands include setting up of a National Institute of Technology, an agriculture university,an institute for physical education,a national institute of sports,Sports Authority of India centres,a national stadium,Bodoland guest houses in Chennai and Vellore,and a hostel in Delhi for tribal students. It also wants a Bodo art gallery.
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