PM Narendra Modi Addresses Kokrajhar Rally Virtually, Announces Development Projects
PM Narendra Modi Addresses Kokrajhar Rally Virtually, Announces Development Projects
Kokrajhar, March 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed a public gathering at Green Field, Bodofa Nwgwr in Kokrajhar virtually after being unable to reach the venue due to bad weather during his two-day visit to Assam.
Beginning his address with the traditional greeting “Khulumbye Kokrajhar,” the Prime Minister apologised to the people for not being able to attend the programme in person.
Paying rich tribute to legendary Bodo leaders Upendra Nath Brahma and Rupnath Brahma, the Prime Minister said their contributions and sacrifices continue to inspire generations. He also praised the Bodo community for preserving its language, culture and traditions, noting that the spiritual faith of Bathou and festivals like Bwisagu strengthen India’s cultural diversity.
The Prime Minister launched and laid the foundation stone for several development projects aimed at boosting infrastructure and connectivity in the region. He said projects worth more than ₹4,500 crore have been initiated, including major road infrastructure works under the Assam Mala project, which will significantly strengthen connectivity across Assam and the Bodoland region.
Modi also flagged off three new train services connecting the Northeast with other parts of the country — Kamakhya–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, NarangI–Agartala Express, and Guwahati–New Jalpaiguri Express.
The Prime Minister further laid the foundation stone for six major road projects in the Bodoland Territorial Region and announced the establishment of a railway engine and coach periodic overhaul workshop at Bashbari in Parbatjhora subdivision of Kokrajhar district.
Speaking about the region’s past, Modi said that Bodoland and several parts of Assam had witnessed decades of unrest and conflict. However, he added that the situation has significantly improved in recent years, with the sound of violence being replaced by the rhythm of traditional instruments such as the Kham and Sifung, symbolising peace and cultural revival.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of the Bodo Peace Accord 2020, stating that the agreement brought together various organisations and groups for the first time and opened a new chapter of peace and development in the region.
He further mentioned that under the accord, several commitments have been fulfilled, including granting Associate Official Language status to the Bodo language, providing a special development package of ₹1,500 crore for Bodoland, and implementing various educational and infrastructural initiatives. He noted that a medical college is already functional in Kokrajhar while another is under construction in Tamulpur.
Modi also spoke about the government’s efforts to bring former militants into the mainstream, stating that nearly 10,000 youths who had once taken up arms have now returned to normal life and are contributing to society.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the government is also working to protect the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Bodo community, including providing support for places associated with the Bathou faith.
In his address, Modi also criticised the Congress party, alleging that it had neglected the development of Bodoland for decades and made promises that were never fulfilled. He said the present government is committed to ensuring lasting peace, development and prosperity in the region.
The Prime Minister also referred to the ongoing efforts of the Assam government to reclaim land from illegal encroachment and provide land rights to indigenous communities.
