KOKRAJHAR, February 10: The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) marked the 24th Bodoland Day on Sunday with large-scale celebrations in Kokrajhar, as thousands of people gathered to commemorate the signing of the historic BTC Accord of 2003. The occasion stood as a powerful reminder of Bodoland’s journey from decades of armed struggle to a phase of relative peace, political stability, and development.
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| Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attends the 24th Bodoland Day celebrations in Kokrajhar, marking Bodoland’s journey from conflict to peace and development. |
To enable widespread public participation, the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) declared a local holiday across all four districts under its jurisdiction.
The celebrations began on a solemn note with ceremonial tributes led by BTC Chief Executive Member and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) chief Hagrama Mohilary. Floral tributes were offered to Upendranath Brahma, revered as the “Father of the Bodos,” acknowledging his visionary leadership and lifelong struggle for dignity and self-rule.
Homage was also paid to the martyrs of the Bodoland movement who laid down their lives for the cause, while Mohilary highlighted the historic role of the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) in choosing the path of peace - an effort that culminated in the formation of the BTC in 2003.
“The identity and autonomy we enjoy today are built on the sacrifices of our heroes,” Mohilary told the media. “Today, we move from a history of struggle towards a future of prosperity.”
In a significant show of support, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the main public programme near the Bodoland Secretariat as the chief guest, accompanied by senior cabinet ministers. His presence was seen as a strong reaffirmation of the state government’s commitment to the BTR.
Addressing the gathering, Sarma described Kokrajhar - once synonymous with insurgency - as a “symbol of peace,” pointing to the recent holding of a historic Assam Legislative Assembly session in the town as evidence of its full integration into the state’s democratic mainstream. He also went live on social media during the event, greeting the people with a traditional “Khulumbay.”
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s resolve to work closely with the BTC administration to realise the vision of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma, with a focus on inclusive development and decentralised governance.
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The day-long programme featured cultural performances and drew a massive public turnout, reflecting growing confidence in the ongoing peace process. Speakers repeatedly stressed that while the aspiration for Bodoland remains deeply rooted, the present priority is socio-economic upliftment and harmony among all communities residing in the BTR.
As the 24th Bodoland Day concluded, the message from Kokrajhar was clear: peace, dialogue, and development have replaced conflict as the guiding principles shaping Bodoland’s future.
