Absu, AKRSU meet Rijiju for Bodoland, Kamatapur states

GUWAHATI: Representatives of the All Bodo Students' Union (Absu) and All Koch Rajbongshi Students' Union (AKRSU) separately met Union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju on Saturday regarding their demands for creation of separate Bodoland and Kamatapur states, respectively.

During the meeting with Rijiju, AKRSU president Biswajit Ray reiterated the union's demand for creation of Kamatapur, comprising 16 districts of Assam and six districts of West Bengal. Ray said the demand for granting Scheduled Tribe status to Koch Rajbongshis, constitutional recognition of the Koch Rajbongshi language, safeguarding the culture and language of the community and addressing their developmental needs were also raised during the meeting.

Absu president Pramode Boro said students' body wanted early resolution on the creation of Bodoland. "The meeting with Rijiju was positive. We also met Union minister Rajnath Singh. Our demand is very clear. There should be early resolution on the creation of Bodoland. We also said that talks with National Democratic Front of Boroland (Progressive) should be expedited. We have urged the Centre to solve the problem of insurgency by initiating dialogue with other armed groups," Boro said.

Saturday's meeting between Absu and Rijiju is the second since the formation of Narendra Modi government.