Latest news with #Bodos
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Bodoland's indigenous groups face demographic threat: Assam CM
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urged the indigenous peoples inhabiting the poll-bound Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) to analyse the demographic threat from a community 'I will not name' and take precautions. Citing the 2020 National Family Health Survey report, he said the 'fertility rate of 26 indigenous communities' in Assam dropped to 2.1 (from 2.2 children born per woman in the previous report). 'The Bodos, who have fought for self-rule for decades, should understand who or what is their biggest challenge in terms of population. I won't say whose population has increased, but what is certain is that the (non-Bodo) indigenous communities are development partners, not a threat,' Mr. Sarma said at an event in Guwahati organised by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) on Sunday (July 6, 2025). According to 2020 data, the total fertility rate of Muslims in Assam was 2.4 compared to 1.6 for Hindus and 1.5 for Christians. The fertility among Muslims, however, was found to have dropped by 1.3 from 3.6 in 2005-06. Unprecedented peace Mr. Sarma lauded the BTC government headed by Pramod Boro for ensuring 'unprecedented' peace during 'my tenure as the Chief Minister for four years and four months'. He said the self-rule movement in the areas dominated by the Bodos since 1968 led to a series of conflicts, including those of an ethnic kind, and extremism. 'We once thought Bodoland was a lost territory, where peace was impossible. But initiatives undertaken after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister in 2014 ensured the path to peace,' he said. The Chief Minister said the January 2020 Bodo Peace Accord ushered in a new era of peace. 'It makes me proud that no bullet was fired and no bomb exploded in the BTR. This was unthinkable once,' he added, thanking all the stakeholders, including the Bodo students' body and disbanded extremist groups. Happiness index Addressing the event titled 'Bodoland Speaks: From Vision to Action,' Mr. Sarma underscored the adoption of the Bhutan model of growth index by the BTC authorities. 'Unlike our Gross Domestic Product, which may not reflect the well-being of the common people, Bhutan innovated the Gross National Happiness index, which factors in spiritual, cultural, social, and economic development. The reign of peace and the interactions among different ethnic groups speak for Bodoland's Happiness Mission,' he said. Pramod Boro, the BTC's Chief Executive Member, said cultural preservation and mutual respect among diverse communities have been the foundations of efforts of his government to ensure lasting peace and sustainable growth. 'Scarred by years of ethnic strife, the BTR has been experiencing peace for almost five years, allowing its people to shift focus from survival to progress. We have ensured an atmosphere where people respect each other's culture and heritage,' he told journalists. Celebration of diversity Mr. Boro said Sunday's event was a celebration of BTR's diversity, conveyed through awards conferred on exponents of the folk-art forms. Among several initiatives launched during the event was a publication containing 1,001 words and 1,001 sentences of languages spoken by 18 communities inhabiting the BTR. The BTC, which governs the BTR, has 46 seats, of which six are for nominated members. The council is headed by Mr. Boro's United People's Party Liberal, an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Elections to the BTC are likely by September.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Animal parts near places of worship: Gaurav for probe
1 2 3 Guwahati: Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi on Friday called for an inquiry to identify those responsible for placing animal body parts in public spaces and near places of worship across Assam in recent past. "Investigations should be conducted against all those arrested for placing these items. Additionally, the probe should target those who came up with the idea and made the initial suggestions," he said. Responding to political opponents' claims that his appointment as state party president had prompted certain groups to engage in activities risking communal harmony, Gogoi rejected these assertions. "Elections are approaching. Our objective is to prevent anyone from creating communal tensions here. We have observed the situation in Manipur caused due to BJP. We will not allow it in Assam," he added. He questioned Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma about the implementation status of union home minister Amit Shah's initiative to construct ponds for flood mitigation in the state. "Where have the ponds been dug? We have been searching for them; we want to see," he said. "The CM had said he would donate his land, but we are witnessing the land of Bodos, Rabhas, Karbis and Misings being appropriated," he claimed. Gogoi said that citizens require governmental responses regarding unemployment and the Barak Valley's infrastructure deficiencies, amongst other issues. "Congress is for everyone. We are protesting inhuman evictions, the persistent D-voter problem in the Barak Valley, and the non-granting of ST status to six communities. We are standing up for the people," he said.
Mint
14-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Mint
When Nagas smoke meat, they preserve the past
Naga Smoking Techniques with Toshi and Annie Jamir What alchemy of fire and wood turns a portly pig into silken-fleshed deliciousness? I was hoping Annie Jamir, the owner of Longchen homestay, would detail out the processes, but she directed me to her husband. 'Talk to Toshi. He's a smoking hound. He's hardcore,' she said. Clad in a black hat, white polo tee, and khaki shorts, Toshi joined us at the machang, an alfresco bamboo platform where breakfast was served the next morning. A purist at heart, he regards smoking as a true labour of love. 'You gotta slog to get it right. There are no shortcuts,' he said, his passion for the art reflecting in the seriousness of his expression. The rituals of cleaning, curing, and smoking were muscle memory to the aficionado, who credited his early training to his mother. 'Mum was a Khasi from Shillong, but more Naga in her ways than dad. She taught me to use every last morsel of the animal, including the hide,' he shared. Later, as an officer in the Assam Regiment, Toshi upped his smoking game by observing his batchmates. 'The regiment was a mix of people from different northeastern tribes—Kukis, Khasis, Bodos, Jaintias, Nagas, Mizos, and others. Each had his own technique and process, and we learnt constantly from one another,' he recounted. Also read: How bamboo shoot flavours the cuisines of North-east India Thrown on the frontlines for months on end, smoking meat meant survival. 'Wild boar, deer, jungle fowl, monkeys—we hunted and smoked it all. We had such a gala time, we even forgot our families!' he said, guffawing. The retired military man makes the most out of the working farm around their homestay—from the hogs penned in the woods to the open outer kitchen where he smokes meat throughout the year. Though smoking techniques vary across the sixteen Naga tribes, the tried and tested method followed by Toshi is broadly representative. Sourcing his pork from the neighbourhood butcher, he insists on cleaning and cutting the carcass himself. Salting, which dehydrates the meat and serves an essential anti-microbial function, is the crucial next step. Toshi also uses a coarse, dry rub of cracked pepper mixed with red chillies or dried lemon leaves to flavour the meat. 'You can use any spice you like. Just keep it simple,' he said, adding that the flavour of the meat must not be overwhelmed. Smoking organically over traditional bamboo racks, Toshi likes to build and tend his fires manually. The charred appeal of smoked meat, he explained, derives in large part from the chemical properties of hardwood. Cellulose and lignin, present in the cells of wood, yield aromatic compounds during combustion, imparting a toasty scent. The Maillard reaction, responsible for the browning of meat, does the rest, imbuing the flesh with subtle savoury, sweet, and bitter flavour notes. The end result—a preserved, flavoured, and partially cooked hunk of meat—is used by each of the Naga tribes differently. Toshi swore by his signature dish, a searingly pungent smoked pork and bamboo shoot curry. 'It's sure to make you sweat,' he promised. Luckily, tamoming, the Changki delicacy the couple fed me, was anything but lethal. Made from smoked pork cooked with mashed potatoes, tomatoes, and dried chillies, its taste was mellow, with the subtle spiciness from the herbs gently seasoning the dish. My session with the Jamirs was revelatory. When Nagas smoke meat, they keep alive the most ancient method of preserving food known to mankind. Transcending mere utility, the ritual channels a primitive, almost atavistic, desire to connect with our prehistoric past. Eons ago, someone put some flesh over flame and turned it into a piece of smoky scrumptiousness. It must have felt like abracadabra then. To me, it still does. RIKYNTI SYIEM'S SMOKED PORK WITH BAMBOO SHOOTS Serves 4, time taken 1–1.5 hours INGREDIENTS Smoked pork ½ kg Garlic 6–8 cloves Black sesame Roasted and pounded, 1 tbsp Bamboo shoots 4 tbsp, chopped Green/red chillies 3–4 Salt to taste METHOD Wash the smoked pork and boil in water. After boiling for about 30 minutes, add bamboo shoots. Boil for some more time. Add crushed garlic cloves or garlic paste. Add black sesame seed paste. Add some chillies and salt and cook till the bamboo shoots become tender. Serve hot. Also read: Once derided as 'stinky', Naga food now fuels entrepreneurship Excerpted with permission from 'An Invitation to Feast' by Sona Bahadur, published by Aleph Book Company.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Don't think you've won the war': Amit Shah to Pahalgam perpetrators
NEW DELHI: Home minister Amit Shah Thursday said terrorists are mistaken if they believe that by killing innocent civilians in Pahalgam, they have won the war, as he publicly vowed a targeted response against each and every one involved in the atrocity and pledged to uproot every act of terrorism from Indian soil. He added that those responsible for the attack will be held accountable and given appropriate response. "Today, they should not think that by killing 27 citizens, they have won the war. I want to tell all the perpetrators of terrorism that this is not the end of the fight but only a turning point... ek makam hai, har vyakti ko chun-chun kar jawab milega, jawab bhi liya jayega (each one involved will be given a fitting response and will be held accountable too)," Shah said in his first public speech after the slaughter of tourists at Pahalgam. Shah, who was addressing a meeting after the unveiling of the statue of Upendranath Brahma, a leading figure among the Bodos, in Delhi, asserted that the fight against terrorists and their backers would continue until each one of perpetrators is punished. Shah said BJP govt, under PM Modi's leadership, has effectively tackled terror threats everywhere - be it in the northeast, areas impacted by left-wing extremism, or in Kashmir - and has given befitting responses. "If anyone thinks that a cowardly attack is their big victory, they must remember this is Narendra Modi's India - none will be spared. Our resolve is to uproot terrorism from every inch of India, and it will become a reality," he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thousands Are Saving Money Using This Wall Plug elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Click Here Undo Soon after the terror attack, the home minister had rushed to Srinagar and visited Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam. He met the grieving families and vowed that the "culprits of this dastardly terror attack will not be spared". Last week, the PM in his first remarks at a public event in Bihar, had issued a similar warning. "We will go to the ends of the earth to find the perpetrators," he had said. Shah, in his address, said no Bodo should have an inferiority complex; they have the same rights in the country as the home minister himself. Recalling the signing of Bodo Accord in 2020 after nine months of discussions, Shah said everyone dropped their weapons and joined the mainstream. "I want to tell all tribes that BJP govt honours the pacts it signs. We are implementing several agreements that were signed before us. They (earlier govts) did not follow them. We have cleared 96% of issues that were part of Bodo Accord. We will resolve 100% issues before next election in Assam," he added. The home minister said that Modi govt has signed over 20 accords in the northeast and over 10,000 people have surrendered and integrated inro the society. "On an average, 78% of the issues have been resolved in the past four years... This shows what we do what we say," he added. Earlier, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sharma highlighted the progress made in the state under BJP rule and said that the state, which previously used to see violence, now hardly reports any incidents.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Amit Shah renames Delhi road to honour Bodo leader Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma
Guwahati: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday inaugurated a prominent road renamed after Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma and unveiled a statue of the legendary Bodo leader and activist in the national capital. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Nuclear Power! How India and Pakistan's arsenals stack up Does America have a plan to capture Pakistan's nuclear weapons? Airspace blockade: India plots a flight path to skip Pakistan A stretch of Lala Lajpat Rai Marg in South Delhi has been renamed to Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma Marg, after the prominent Bodo social activist and leader. The MCD has approved the 50-metre wide and 835 metre long road from A5-A18 Kailash Colony to Lala Lajpat Rai Marg A-5/A-6 as Bodofa Upendranath Brahma Marg following directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs . 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by Popularly known as 'Bodofa', which means 'father or guardian of the Bodos', Brahma served as President of ABSU and devoted his life to espousing the cause of education and well-being of the Bodo community before he died in harness at a young age of 34 due to cancer in 1990. Speaking at a public meeting commemorating the 35th death anniversary of the Bodo leader at Kailash Colony MCD Park, Union Home Minister Shah said these initiatives have been taken in recognition of Upendra Nath Brahma's outstanding contributions to the Bodo community and society at large. "Bodofa's clarion call 'live and let live' must resonate far and wide," he said. Live Events The Home Minister said he felt elated at having fulfilled the promise of renaming a major road in Delhi and unveiling a 9 ft statue of Bodofa on the occasion of his 35th death anniversary. "What we promise, we fulfil, and I am happy that the announcement I made in Kokrajhar during a rally has come to fruition following the renaming of a major road in Kailash Colony after Bodofa and unveiling the statue of the legendary leader, to whom we all look up to with awe and reverence," he said. Shah emphasised that the Modi Government is wholly committed to realising Bodofa's vision for Bodoland. The Union Minister reaffirmed the Modi Government's unwavering commitment to implementing the BTR Peace Accord in toto before the Assam Assembly elections slated next year. "Since the signing of the Bodo Peace Accord in 2020, we have implemented 96% of the accord and the remaining one or two clauses will be done before the State Assembly elections in 2026," he added. The Home Minister said Bodoland once known for violence and unrest is now an oasis of peace and development. Shah said the Bodo youth would no longer have to fight for their rights, assuring them of every help and assistance from the Modi Government. "You have every right as other citizens of the country and you no longer have to feel inferior in any manner. The Bodos and other ethnic communities have every right, as you and me, and other citizens of the country," he quipped. The Home Minister said the Northeast region, a treasure trove of culture, have seen rapid transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Since the signing of 20 Peace Accords and inter-state border dispute settlements during the tenure of Prime Minister Modiji and the surrendering of 10,500 militants and their joining the mainstream, Assam and other States of the Northeast region are marching triumphantly on the path of peace and prosperity," he said. Shah praised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for fast-track development and highlighted the success of the investment summit which has positioned Assam as an attractive investment hub. Addressing the gathering, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma thanked Home Minister Amit Shah for taking forward the proposal and translating it into reality. "The road in Kailash Colony renamed as Bodofa Upendranath Brahma Marg fulfills a commitment made to the people of BTR by Adarniya Griha Mantri Amit Shah ji", Dr. Sarma added. It may be recalled that Home Minister Shah while addressing the 57th annual conference of ABSU in Kokrajhar on March 16 this year, had announced the move to name a road in Delhi after Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma. Praising Bodofa for adopting ahimsa in his struggle for asserting the rights of the Bodo community, Sarma said, "Bodofa dedicated his life to building an inclusive society. His ideals continue to guide and motivate generations towards collective progress." The Chief Minister reiterated the government's commitment to Bodoland's overall development. 'The Bodo community has always been an integral part of Assam's rich cultural heritage. We are committed to fulfilling Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma's vision," he opined. Sarma said the Bodo Peace Accord has been the harbinger of peace and development in the BTR. He said a session of the Assam Assembly was held in Kokrajhar to drive home the message loud and clear that peace has reigned supreme in BTR. Sarma also announced that a publication on the life and times of Bodofa will be brought out in Hindi, as suggested by the Home Minister. The Chief Minister also mentioned the initiatives taken by the Government of Assam and Government of India to uphold the ideals of Lachit Barphukan, who vanquished the Mughals , by organising his 400th birth anniversary in Delhi. He said a jungle warfare school in Madhya Pradesh will be renamed after the great general and his courage and valour documented in all the Indian languages with textbooks already incorporating his life and times in the school curriculum by some States. "Never before tribal and ethnic leaders got such respect and recognition then it has been during the rule of BJP Governments in States and at the Centre," he added. CEM, BTR Pramod Boro, in his welcome address, said Bodofa was a visionary leader and social activist who worked for the rights, identity and uplift of the Bodo community. Boro said naming a major road and unveiling a statue in the national capital is a historic tribute to Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma's enduring legacy, and thanked the Prime Minister and the Home Minister for giving respect and recognition to the Bodo leader in the national capital. "This national recognition honours Bodofa's life-long dedication to the upliftment of India's tribal communities and brings his visionary ideals to the heart of the nation," he quipped. In his concluding address, ABSU President Dipen Boro lauded Bodofa's revolutionary life, emphasising his role in galvanising the Bodos to embrace their identity, language, culture, and traditions. Reflecting on Bodofa's legacy, Boro remarked, "Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma lived a revolutionary life, igniting the Bodos to realise their identity and existence with their language, culture, and traditions." The ABSU President highlighted Bodofa's pivotal leadership during his tenure as the President of ABSU, a position he held until his untimely demise in 1990.
