GUWAHATI, March 7 ? Bodoland Demand Legislature Party (BDLP) legislator, Biswajit Doimari today stated in the floor of the Assembly that a sense of alienation has gripped Bodo people in the State in view of loud opposition voiced by non-Bodo organisations against formation of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). Participating in the discussion on motion of thanks on Governor?s address, Sri Doimari said the strong opposition to BTC formation had compelled Bodo people to ponder whether they were accepted as part of the greater Assamese nation which is an amalgamation of different ethnic groups like Bodos, Rajbongshis etc.
?We Bodos are finding the protest against BTC frightening and great threat to our identity,? he said. The BDLP MLA demanded that the phrase ?modified Sixth Schedule? in Governor?s address in reference to BTC formation should be replaced with only ?Sixth Schedule.? He further stated the opposition to BTC is uncalled for in view of firm assurance given by Bodo leadership that all political, economic rights including the right over land of non-Bodos in the proposed tribal council will be protected.
Terming the ?Bodo-non-Bodo? politics being played by vested interest as dangerous to the integrity of the state having a mixed population pattern, Sri Doimari called upon the members of State Assembly to not to heed to protests against formation of the BTC and thereby prevent the matter from getting complicated further. He urged the State Government to ensure formation of the BTC by demarcating its boundary without further delay.