Understanding the Genesis of the Bodo Movement of Assam

In today’s trend of politics several themes have been overlapping with each other in such a complex way that one observer cannot easily explicate the particularly of a single theme. Whether it is regarding multiculturalism or pluralism, whether it is recognition or it is difference, the inherent complexity has always kept the analyzer away from the theme. It is in this context, convenient to state that the politics of recognition, being not exceptional has been a dominant theme in the arena of contemporary politics and has interconnections with identity, multiculturalism and of course with difference. There are minority groups demanding recognition of their identity and accommodation of their cultural differences. Recognition is required in order to have an undistorted identity as minorities often feel depreciated in relation to the majority. As Taylor asserts that the politics of difference must be based on mutual respect of the right to culture of each group: the right of the minority to preserve its cultural integrity and resist its assimilation by a dominant or majority identity. In this regard the Bodos of Assam and their struggle for a separate Bodoland is such an instance which incorporates many broad things viz. recognition, assimilation, identity, etc. The Bodo people from the very beginning opposed the assimilation strategies of the greater Assamese identity as they have a distinct language and culture. Recognition of their distinct identity would help them to assert their aspirations and most importantly difference. But the successive failures of the greater composite Assamese umbrella to accommodate the demands of the Bodos had further aggravated the situation and consequently massive launch of movement. Formation of BLT and NDFB (later periods) has provided the required impetus for the dissenting voices. Rest is the prolonged agitations by both BLT and NDFB in the 80s, 90s. Though opposition by BLT ended as a result of Bodo Accord II of 2003, yet their other representative namely NDFB never ended their struggle considering the fact that the accord II had never satisfied the needs of the community. The present scenario witnesses the continuous violent agitation by this group in reaction to the insufficient commitments of the government of Assam.



            by
Sasanka Dhaval Saikia
J.D.S.G. College, Bokakhat