We are here to hold peace talks with govt: NDFB-S president after returning to Assam

Several National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Saoraigwra) leaders, including president Saoraigwra returned to Assam on January 20 after the banned insurgent outfit signed a tripartite agreement with the central and Assam governments to suspend operations. Designated camps have been set up at Digli area under Bishmuri police outpost in Kokrajhar district, around 50 km north of Bodoland Territorial Council headquarter for the members.

Kokrajhar:After spending years in hiding, nearly 30 active members of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Saoraigwra) (NDFB-S), including its president Saoraigwra, general secretary, commander-in-chief and finance secretary returned to Assam from Myanmar to join the peace process after the banned insurgent outfit signed a tripartite agreement with the central and Assam governments to suspend operations.

"We have come here to hold peace talks. We have signed a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India as well as with the state government...to solve the long-pending Bodo issue. I hope through this peace process/negotiation, the government will devise a peaceful solution for our region. Everybody wants peace and we respect peace, " said President B. Saoraigwra while talking to reporters.

"Our demand is Bodoland, " added the rebel leader.

According to the pact, the National Democratic Front of Bodoland under the leadership of its 'president' B Saoraigwra will abjure violence and join in peace talks with the government.

The insurgents received a warm welcome from the members of their community and designated camps have also been set up at Digli area under Bishmuri police outpost in Kokrajhar district, around 50 km north of Bodoland Territorial Council headquarter for the members.

Echoing Saoraigwra's sentiment General Secretary B.R. Ferenga said, "We are hopeful that the government will solve the long-pending Bodoland issue."

When asked if senior leaders of NDFB-S such as G Bidai, alias Bishnu Gayari, and B Batha will join the peace talks, Saoraigwra said, "Everybody will come. They will be a part of the peace negotiation and inclusively we will find a solution to the Bodo issue."