PM Narendra Modi in Assam Today Live News Updates: PM Modi is addressing a public rally in Kokrajhar. (Source: Twitter/@BJP4India)
PM Modi in Assam Live Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is speaking at a public rally at the Bodo Territorial Area District (BTAD) of Assam’s Kokrajhar. He has visited Assam for the first time after the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) came into force. His visit comes days after the government signed the Bodo Accord for lasting peace in the region.
Protests had broken out in Assam after Parliament passed the new citizenship law. PM Modi had cancelled his two visits, including one with Japanese premier Shinzo Abe, to the state for various reasons.
Sources said the PM is likely to address the public on issues related to the “anxieties” associated with CAA in the state. Assam was the first state to begin protesting against the CAA immediately after it was passed in Parliament. Assamese people have expressed fear that CAA would regularise citizenship of several outsiders in the state and thus impact its demography and ethno-cultural integrity.
Sources also said the PM will fly to Guwahati and then take a chopper to Kokrajhar. After the rally, he will fly to West Bengal and then to Delhi.
PM Modi in Assam Live Updates: People gather at the place where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a public meeting in Kokrajhar today. (ANI)
Highlights
PM Modi says, "We're also working on education, skill, and sports for the youth of Northeast. Apart from this, we've also built new hostels for Northeast students in Delhi and Bengaluru. New railway stations, new railway routes, new airports, new waterways, and internet connectivity - the amount of work that is being done today is unprecedented. We're not just completing the projects that have been hanging for decades, we're also starting new ones. Last month, Rs 9000 crore has been approved for the gas-grid scheme that is running in all states of Northeast. Projects like Bogibeel Bridge that were hanging for ages have been completed and it has millions of people with connectivity. It increases their trust in the Govt."
PM Modi says, "In the 13th Finance Commission, all states of Northeast got less than Rs 90,000 crore added together. In the 14th Finance Commission, after we came to power, it was increased to Rs 3 lakh crore. In the last 3-4 years, 3000 km of roads have been built here. New national highways have been approved. The entire railway network of Northeast has been changed to a broad gauge. New airports are being made and old airports are being modernized at a brisk pace. There are so many rivers and a diverse waterway here in the Northeast. Prior to 2014, there was just one waterway in the entire region. Today, work is going on over 12 waterways."
PM Modi says, "Earlier, this region was thought to be far from Delhi. Today, Delhi is very close to you and hears you with care. We've ensured that once every 10-15 days, a Central Minister will visit the Northeast, will spend the night, talk to people and solve their problems. Our ministers spent a lot of time here and solved a lot of problems. My Govt is taking direct feedback and are making the right decisions in sync."
PM Modi says, "Thousands of Northeast people lived like refugees in their own country in the past. Now, they are being rehabilitated with full facilities. People of India were afraid of coming here at one time. Now, they're pitching it as the next tourist destination. Did this change come suddenly? No. Earlier, states of Northeast India were looked upon as recipients. Today, they are considered as growth-engines for development."
PM Modi says, "Before we came to power, most states in Northeast was under the Armed Forces. After we came to power, most regions of Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, & Arunachal Pradesh are free from AFSPA. Earlier, businessmen did not agree to invest in the region, but that has changed now. There was a fight for a homeland for a long time in the Northeast. Today, they have accepted India as its homeland."
PM Modi says, "When national interest is your primary concern, you can't let situations persist as they are. The entire issue of Northeast was serious and we worked on it with a new approach. We understood the aspirations and emotional context of different regions of the Northeast. We conversed with them and made them feel one of our own. This has helped reduced extremism. Earlier, there were about 1000 killings in the Northeast due to extremism but today, on an average, the situation is normal and peaceful."
PM Modi says, "21st Century India has decided to get rid of the problems of the past. Today, the country wants solutions to all problems. Political parties used to ignore revolts, blockades, & violent protests. They just contained them, but never solved them. This approach had pushed the people of Northeast so far that they had stopped believing in democracy & Constitution. In the last few decades, thousands of people and security forces were killed. Millions lost their homes and millions could never see development during their lifetime."
PM Modi says, "The Govt is now trying to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. I want to assure the people of Assam that after the Committee submits its report, the Central Govt will act on it swiftly. We're going to solve the problem that had persisted for years. The Assam Govt has taken several big decisions regarding the Bodo language and tradition and has started some schemes as well. Bodo Territorial Council, Assam Govt and the Central Govt is now working together and will give 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, Sabka Vishwas' will be emboldened."
PM Modi says, "Under the Accord, Rs 1500 crore will be given as a special developmental package to help the Bodos. Every right, culture, language, and development will be ensured. Their protection will be ensured."
PM Modi says, "Peace wasn't completely gained after the accords that were signed in 1993 & 2003. The Central Govt, Assam Govt & people associated with the Bodo movement have signed an Accord that fulfils all demands & development is our main concern hereon. This accord will not only benefit the Bodo people but other societies as well. According to the Accord, BTC's territorial range has been increased and given more power. It's a win-win situation for everyone."
PM Modi says, "Today after decades, the road to the development of people and this region has been empowered. I welcome everyone involved in the Bodoland movement to India's mainstream. After five decades of struggle, the hopes and aspirations of every protestor has been respected. We won't allow the darkness of terrorism to return here. No citizen will die of violence anymore in this region. Mothers whose children have returned from the wilderness are blessing me today. So many families have been reconciled. want to tell the entire country that all demands related to this movement have been approved. The issue has been resolved."
Pm Modi also says, "The arrival of peace to Assam is a historic moment. It is a great coincidence that it has happened when the entire country is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This is an inspiration for the entire world to give up violence and live amicably and peacefully. Mahatma Gandhi used to say that whatever we gain from walking on Ahimsa is accepted by everyone. A lot of people from Assam have accepted peace, ahimsa, and democracy. They have placed the Indian Constitution at its rightful place."
Pm Modi says, "The road for permanent peace has opened up only due to your help and willpower. This is a new opportunity and a new dawn for Assam and the entire Northeast to welcome the 21st century. There were gunfights for decades. Today, people have been freed from it. I welcome the people and the new dawn of Assam on the pledge of New India."
PM Modi says, "All demands associated with Bodo movement has come to an end; now development is our first and last priority. Everyone has benefitted from this Accord. Peace and humanity have won." He assures people of Assam that after the report of Clause 6 committee, Centre will steadfastly act on it. He assures of Clause 6 implementation.
Pm Modi says, "Never have I seen such a huge political rally in my life. The Bodo Accord was a way for permanent peace, a new beginning for the region."
"In the middle of his speech in the Bodoland region, PM Modi speaks lines in the Assamese to pay his tributes to Shrimanta Shankardev.
PM Modi says, "I've seen a lot of rallies in my political and public life, but I have never seen such a massive crowd. This is certainly one of the largest political rallies in India in the post-Independence era. Today is the day to remember those martyrs who laid down their lives for the country's doing their duty. Today is the day to remember Upendra Nath and Roop Nath Bramha and to pay our respects to them."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "At times some leaders talk about beating me with sticks, but I'm saved by the blessings of all mothers of India. I pay my respects and thank all of you. I'm here to instill a new belief in all Assamese people."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting in Kokrajhar, Assam.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Kokrajhar where he will address a public meeting shortly.
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal received Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Guwahati airport today.
PM Narendra Modi’s earlier scheduled visit to Assam — for a summit meeting with Japan PM Shinzo Abe — was immediately after citizenship Bill was passed by Parliament in December last year, but it had to be cancelled due to violent protests in the state. Modi was also reportedly invited for the inauguration of the recently concluded ‘Khelo India’ games in Guwahati but did not attend it.
Sources said the PM is likely to address public on issues related to the anxieties associated with CAA in the state. Assam was the first state off the blocks to begin protesting against the CAA immediately after it was passed in Parliament. Assamese people have expressed fear that CAA would regularise citizenship of several outsiders in the state and thus impact its demography and ethno-cultural integrity. Read More
70,000 earthen lamps were lighted in Kokrajhar town Thursday as a part of the welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Kokrajhar in celebration of the signing of historic Bodo Accord.
People are waiting at Kokrajhar to welcome PM Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Guwahati. PM will address a public meeting at an event in Kokrajhar shortly, to celebrate the signing of the Bodo Agreement.
On Thursday, PM Modi took to Twitter to inform about his Assam visit today. "Tomorrow, I look forward to being in Assam. I will be in Kokrajhar to address a public meeting. We will mark the successful signing of the Bodo Accord, which brings to an end a problem that had been persisting for decades. It marks the start of a new era of peace and progress," he tweeted.
People gather at the place where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a public meeting in Kokrajhar today, at an event to celebrate the signing of the Bodo Agreement.
People dancing and singing ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public meeting at an event in Kokrajhar to celebrate the signing of the Bodo Agreement.
Welcome to our LIVE blog. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Assam today for the first time after the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) came into force. He will address a public rally in Kokrajhar. Follow to get all the latest updates here