Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) witnessed over 72% voter turnout in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections.

About Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR)

• Bodoland is an autonomous region in Assam, situated on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River.
• Comprises four districts on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River, below the foothills of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Administered by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). 
• Population: Predominantly inhabited by Bodo people and other indigenous communities.
• Etymology: The term “Bodoland” derives from Bodo, the primary ethnic group of the region.

Historical Background

• Movements for autonomy began in 1967 with the Plains Tribes Council of Assam; later, the All Bodo Students’ Union launched the Bodo Movement (1987) demanding a separate state.
• Bodo Accord (1993): Formation of the Bodoland Autonomous Council.
• Historically part of ancient Kamarupa; later ruled by the Koch-Mech dynasty, Bhutan, and Ahom kingdom until British control post-1865 Duar War.

Evolution of BTC

• 1993: Bodoland became an autonomous unit under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, covering 8,795 km², governed by the Bodoland Autonomous Council.
• 2003: Formation of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) with a mandate to promote economic development, education, land rights, cultural identity, and infrastructure.
• 2020 Peace Agreement:
• • Signed on 27 January 2020 between the Indian & Assam governments and National Democratic Front of Bodoland, (NDFB) the All Bodo Students’ Union and United Bodo People’s Organisation 
  • Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) established with enhanced executive and legislative powers.
  • BTC membership increased to 60; boundaries adjusted to ensure Bodo majority by including contiguous Bodo-inhabited areas and excluding non-Bodo areas.
  • BTR granted representation in national sports and cultural events (e.g., National Games, Khelo India Youth Games).
  • Bodo language in Devanagari script recognized as an associate official language of Assam.

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