NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that he considers the entire North-East including Assam as the " Ashtalakshmi "of India.
Addressing the first Bodoland Mahotsav in Delhi, the prime minister said, "For me, the entire North-East including Assam is the Ashtalakshmi of India. Now the sun of development will rise from Eastern India, which will give new energy to the resolve of developed India. That is why we are continuously working for lasting peace in the North-East. We are seeking amicable solutions to the border disputes of the North-Eastern states."
PM Modi said that the central government has allocated a special development package of Rs 1,500 crore for Bodoland adding that, "Assam government has also given a special development package. More than Rs 700 crore has been spent to develop infrastructure related to education, health and culture in Bodoland."
The Prime Minister hailed the Bodo community for abandoning violence and embracing peace following the historic Peace Accord of 2020. He said the peace accords had led to over 10,000 youths in Assam abandoning arms and violence to join mainstream society and referenced successful agreements like the Karbi Anglong peace pact, Bru-Reang agreement, and NLFT Tripura agreement.
The BJP supremo said, "I am happy that the youth who were holding guns a few years ago are now moving ahead in the field of sports. The holding of two editions of the Durand Cup in Kokrajhar and the arrival of teams from Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan is historic in itself."
He said, "In the last four years, the development of Bodoland has been very important. After the signing of the Peace Accord, Bodoland has witnessed a wave of development. I feel very satisfied after looking at the positive and encouraging results of the Peace Accord."
"The Bodo Peace Accord hasn't just benefitted you, it has opened new avenues for many more peace accords. Had it remained on papers only, others wouldn't have trusted me. However, you imbibed the accord in your lives," he added.
The prime minister said that the forests in parts of Assam, previously used as concealment areas, are now enabling young people to pursue their aspirations.
"There was a time when the thick forests of Manas National Park and Raimona National Park became a space for other activities. I am happy that the forests which earlier served as hideouts are now becoming a medium to fulfil the high ambitions of the youth," PM Modi said
He acknowledged that after experiencing prolonged periods of conflict, the Bodo community is now able to celebrate festivities after several decades.
"Today's occasion is very emotional for me. 50 years of bloodshed, 50 years of violence, and 3-4 generations of youth were consumed in this violence. After so many decades, Bodo is celebrating the festival today. In the year 2020, after the Bodo Peace Accord, I got the opportunity to come to Kokrajhar. The love and affection you gave me there, it felt as if you considered me one of your own. I will always remember that moment," PM Modi said.
Addressing the first Bodoland Mahotsav in Delhi, the prime minister said, "For me, the entire North-East including Assam is the Ashtalakshmi of India. Now the sun of development will rise from Eastern India, which will give new energy to the resolve of developed India. That is why we are continuously working for lasting peace in the North-East. We are seeking amicable solutions to the border disputes of the North-Eastern states."
PM Modi said that the central government has allocated a special development package of Rs 1,500 crore for Bodoland adding that, "Assam government has also given a special development package. More than Rs 700 crore has been spent to develop infrastructure related to education, health and culture in Bodoland."
#WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "For me, the entire North-East including Assam is the Ashtalakshmi of India. Now the sun of development will rise from Eastern India, which will give new energy to the resolve of developed India. That is why we are continuously… pic.twitter.com/Rno7Mygggj
— ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2024
The Prime Minister hailed the Bodo community for abandoning violence and embracing peace following the historic Peace Accord of 2020. He said the peace accords had led to over 10,000 youths in Assam abandoning arms and violence to join mainstream society and referenced successful agreements like the Karbi Anglong peace pact, Bru-Reang agreement, and NLFT Tripura agreement.
The BJP supremo said, "I am happy that the youth who were holding guns a few years ago are now moving ahead in the field of sports. The holding of two editions of the Durand Cup in Kokrajhar and the arrival of teams from Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan is historic in itself."
He said, "In the last four years, the development of Bodoland has been very important. After the signing of the Peace Accord, Bodoland has witnessed a wave of development. I feel very satisfied after looking at the positive and encouraging results of the Peace Accord."
"The Bodo Peace Accord hasn't just benefitted you, it has opened new avenues for many more peace accords. Had it remained on papers only, others wouldn't have trusted me. However, you imbibed the accord in your lives," he added.
The prime minister said that the forests in parts of Assam, previously used as concealment areas, are now enabling young people to pursue their aspirations.
"There was a time when the thick forests of Manas National Park and Raimona National Park became a space for other activities. I am happy that the forests which earlier served as hideouts are now becoming a medium to fulfil the high ambitions of the youth," PM Modi said
He acknowledged that after experiencing prolonged periods of conflict, the Bodo community is now able to celebrate festivities after several decades.
"Today's occasion is very emotional for me. 50 years of bloodshed, 50 years of violence, and 3-4 generations of youth were consumed in this violence. After so many decades, Bodo is celebrating the festival today. In the year 2020, after the Bodo Peace Accord, I got the opportunity to come to Kokrajhar. The love and affection you gave me there, it felt as if you considered me one of your own. I will always remember that moment," PM Modi said.
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