- The National Democratic Front of Boroland (Songbijit) is the main suspect behind the death of over 30 muslim women and children, and is accused of carrying out ethnic cleansing.
- The group, which is fighting for a sovereign Boroland to be carved out of Assam, was also behind the violence between Bodo community and the Urdu-speaking minority in 2012 which left hundreds dead and displaced lakhs of people.
- In the context of these elections, the atmosphere is entirely negated. State BJP unit’s manifesto made a highly provocative promise of identifying and expelling all illegal immigrants staying in Assam except the Hindus, Buddhists, Sikh and SCs who have immigrated following religious, political and social persecution.
- Survivors have identified the surrended of the erstwhile Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT), whose former leaders have now formed the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), as attackers.
- BPF controls the Bodoland Territorial Council and was thus far an ally of the Congress in Assam. It has now indicated an alliance with the BJP.
- Amidst these developments, it is imperative that investigating agencies identify the culprits and reassure migrant communities of their safety. Immediate steps towards security and protection should be taken.
- State govt should be held accountable for its consistent failure in restricting violence and the looming threat of militancy in the state.
- Govt should also initiate a process of vulnerability mappings in areas that are particularly susceptible to violence in the future.
- Read at: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/lessons-from-assams-carnage/article5980508.ece
Exams Perspective:
- Bodoland Territorial Council
- Movement for Bodoland
- Vulnerability Mapping
- Illegal Immigrants
