Assam is witnessing historic chapter for peace and development: PM Modi

"The five-decade old Bodo issue finds resolution on the Punyatithi of  Pujya Bapu today. The accord between the Bodo groups and Government will  strengthen the unity and integrity of Assam," the Prime Minister said  in a series of tweets.

"As India remembers Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi, Assam is witnessing a historic chapter for peace and development," he said.

"After a wait of 50 years, agreement with our Bodo friends heralds a new  beginning. It will strengthen Assam's unity, bring development and  usher in a bright future," he maintained.

In another missive, he said, "This is a victory for all, it's victory  for humanity. It is inspired by the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas  & Sabka Vishwas', and by the spirit of 'Ek Bharat-Shresth Bharat."

"Welcomed the decision of  'Bodo friends' for leaving violence and  reposing faith in democracy and Constitution, he maintained that 'the  accord with our Bodo friends was made while protecting the interest of  other communities of Assam.

"Bodo friends joining the country on path of peace sends a clear message  that 'solution to issues is possible when we leave path of violence and  repose faith in democracy and Constitution. I welcome my Bodo friends to the mainstream. We are committed to  ensuring development of Bodo areas. After signing this historic  agreement with Bodo organizations, foremost priority of our government  is development of Bodo areas,'' he said in his missive. 

"Work has begun on a comprehensive Rs 1,500 crore package," he stated,  adding that government's special focus will be on ease of living and  ensuring that Bodos benefit fully from government's schemes.

As a follow up of the Bodo peace agreement inked recently in Delhi in  the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, a large number of Bodo  militants surrendered and laid down arms before Assam Chief Minister  Sarbananda Sonowal and Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on  Thursday in Guwahati.

The NDFB factions had signed the peace treaty with the government on  Monday, January 27. The Centre has agreed to provide a Rs  1,500-crore-assistance-package over the next three years for the  development of Bodo areas in Assam.

Among other things, there are provisions for the quick development of  tribal areas and rehabilitation of members of NDFB and its factions in  the pact.