Political turmoil signalling more bloodshed in 'Bodoland' 

Guwahati, Sep 2: Even before the fire of secessionist armed movements could be completely extinguished, Assam’s 'Bodoland' is now in the grips of political turmoil signalling more bloodshed in this part of the state where peace and development have been elusive. 

The tussle for political power in the Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts (BTAD) has got murkier. The next winter is likely to ignite the situation rather than cool it. 

The signs were clearly visible when former BLT members today pelted stone on a designated camp of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) at Borbari in Baksa district, under BTAD, and the NDFB cadres fired back, though no one was injured. 

A former BLT cadre was shot dead by suspected NDFB militants just yesterday, one among several such killings and counter-killings in the Bodoland. 

The Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), which is in power in BTAD and is also Congress’ ally at Dispur, has engaged in a direct tussle with its chief rival in the Bodoland, the Bodoland People’s Progressive Front (BPPF). 

But this struggle for power has intensified as both the outfits are controlled and supported by two rival former militant groups. 

While the BPF is formed of now-disbanded Bodoland Liberation Tigers (BLT), the BPPF allegedly has the backing of the anti-talks faction of the NDFB. 

BPF president and BTAD chief Hagrama Mohilary accused the NDFB anti-talks faction, All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) and Bodo Women Justice Forum (BWJF), of hatching a conspiracy to oust the BPF from power. 

''The three organizations have been holding regular talks and are conspiring against the BPF,'' Mr Hagrama said. 

These organisations, on the other hand, claimed that the BPF was running a ''goonda raaj'' in the Bodoland and was involved in massive financial scams. 

But what has turned more worrisome for law keepers is the fact that the struggle between the rival factions has led to widespread blood spill in Bodoland and with no signs from either group of taking a softer line. 

The coming months are feared to be more problematic for the BTAD.