Q What is your reaction to the signing of the Bodo Territorial Council?
A My happiness doesn?t require any specific elaboration. The way the agreement was signed was really satisfactory.
Now we are looking forward to the formation of the interim council by next week.
Q In what way will the BTC bring about changes in the lives of the Bodos?
A We are hopeful of positive changes. Everything that has been incorporated in the council will bring about a sea-change in various aspects. The fact that the Bodo language will be incorporated in the Eighth Schedule is a landmark achievement for the Bodo community. Besides, for the first time Bodos living within the jurisdiction of the other three tribal councils will get equal status and be represented in the councils.
The student community, in particular, will benefit from the Central Institute of Technology which will be upgraded into a Centrally-funded state university.
Q The Sixth Schedule hasn?t really been able to bring significant changes in the lives of the people in the other states of the Northeast where it is in vogue. What do you have to say?
A I?m not really very concerned about happenings in other states. But we can definitely say that such tragedies and misfortunes will not be repeated in the BTC area for at least 20 years. So it will be a Sixth Schedule with a change and if properly implemented, there is no reason why it shouldn?t be a success.
Q Now that the Bodo Accord for the creation of the BTC has been signed, will you or your organisation play a role in bringing the NDFB to the negotiating table?
A The initiative has to come from all sides ? the Centre, the state government and the NDFB.
But if the outfit comes forward, we will welcome it wholeheartedly and it will be of great benefit to the Bodo community. At the same time, we invite them to open a dialogue with the concerned parties.