Kokrajhar, Nov. 19: The National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB)?s offer to ?involve? the Bodoland Territorial Council and the All Bodo Students? Union (Absu) in its talks with Delhi has evoked derision from one and praise from the other.
Former militant leader Hagrama Mohilary, who now heads the interim territorial council, described the offer as a ?gimmick? meant to ?fool? the Bodo community. Absu president Rabiram Narzary, however, welcomed the move, saying it indicated that the NDFB was attaining maturity.
NDFB spokesperson Sanjarang announced last week that all sections of the Bodo community would be taken into confidence as and when the dialogue began.
Turning down the offer, Mohilary, who used to lead the disbanded Bodoland Liberation Tigers, said: ?We cannot join any discussion with the Centre at the request of the NDFB. We can be part of it only if the government of India invites us. The use of the names Absu and BLT is calculated to attract the people as the outfit has been left without a base among the Bodo people.?
Mohilary?s erstwhile organisation signed an accord with Delhi and Dispur last year, paving the way for a new autonomous administrative set-up for the Bodo heartland.
The former militant leader said the NDFB?s aspiration for ?sovereignty? was an impossible dream. ?They should look at the NSCN (I-M)-Delhi discussions, which are being held on peace and the concept of a greater Nagaland, not sovereignty of Nagaland. They must scale down their impossible demand of sovereignty if they really want peace among the Bodos.?
In contrast, the Absu president was cautious but optimistic.
?If the statements have been made in all sincerity and with a liberal attitude, then the NDFB leadership has finally realised the ground realities. The Absu will deliberate on the question of being involved in the process. As of now, it is closely monitoring every step and statement by the NDFB,? he said.
Narzary urged the NDFB to stop targeting Absu supporters and ?create conditions conducive for peace?.