ABSU to support any party backing Bodos

GUWAHATI, February 18: The All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU) has no objection in extending support to any national or regional political party which supports the cause of the Bodos in the ensuing Assembly polls, said the newly elected president of the ABSU Rabi Ram Narzary. Talking to The Assam Tribune, Narzary said that till date the ABSU has not discussed possible poll alliance with any political party. He said that the ABSU has already identified 31 Assembly constituencies to field Independent candidates. Narzary further said that the ABSU is in favour of maintaining good relations with the All Assam Students' Union (AASU). He pointed out that the both the students' organisations can work together on common programmes and added that a formal round of discussion between the two organisations would be held soon. On the ABSU's demand for the creation of a separate state of Bodoland Narzary said that they have not given up the demand. "However, we have suspended the agitation for the creation of a separate state as any such move at this moment may affect the ongoing peace talks between the Government of India and the Bodo Liberation Tiger (BLT)", he added. He also appealed to all concerned to immediately stop the fratricidal clashes as it would affect the Bodo society as a whole. He also appealed to the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) to come forward for talks for a peaceful solution to their problems. On the move initiated by the ABSU for uniting all the Bodo political parties and organisations, Narzary said that the success of the move would depend on the Peoples Democratic Front (PDF). He said that the PDF leaders were under threat from the NDFB as the militant outfit is opposed to the unification move, and added that much would depend on whether the PDF leaders can come forward for the unification move. When asked about his immediate plans as the new president of the ABSU, Narzary said that the ABSU would continue to work for the allround development of the Bodo society. He pointed out that steps would be taken for the solution of the problems facing the students of the Bodo dominated areas. He revealed that the ABSU is planning to set up a committee of educationists to identify the problems of the students. He also said that the ABSU would continue to put pressure on the Government for the setting up of a Central University, a Medical College and an Engineering College in the Bodoland Autonomous Council (BAC) area.