Kokrajhar, Oct. 9: Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief Hagrama Mohilary today resigned from the post of chairmanship of the Bodo National Conference (BNC).

Mohilary submitted his resignation letter to the chief convener of the BNC.

In the letter Mohilary said: “At this juncture I feel there is no alternative to quitting the chairmanship of the BNC with a heavy heart. I am compelled to resign from the post of chairmanship of the BNC.”

Mohilary announced his decision at a news conference held at the BPF party office here in Kokrajhar.

Mohilary said the decision to resign from the chairmanship is his own decision. “I am not happy with the way things are going on in the Bodo belt as there is an increase in incidents of extortion and kidnapping.”

Without taking names, Mohilary said a section of people who did not want peace and stability in the region (Bodo belt) were behind extortion and kidnappings and they were all out to tarnish the good image of the council. He said in such a situation, he could not hold the post of chairmanship of the BNC.

He, however, said he would continue to support the council. “I have high hopes about the BNC and its objectives; but I just cannot hold the post of chairperson.”The letter said the main objectives behind the formation of the BNC were to usher in peace, unity and brotherhood among the Bodo people. The move aimed to build fraternity and communal harmony among all castes and community in the BTC region and outside.

“Obviously, I was happy to carry on the new responsibility as chairperson of the BNC. Disappointment, however, set in as some still continue with their agenda of destabilising the region, its peace, unity and development. Extortion, kidnappings other illegal activities still continue as a routine affair in the region resulting in so many tragedies to the common people, rendering the council just as a spineless spectator. The misdeeds committed by elements opposed to the peace, unity and development of the Bodo people and all the people living together have tarnished our good image and the people are losing confidence in us,” he said.

Asked it there is pressure from some section to resign, he said it his own decision and not imposed on him. He, however, said his party members and workers have been urging him to resign since the past couple of months.

Mohilary said the BPF youth wing would hold a motorcycle rally tomorrow from the BPF office against extortion and kidnappings in the region.