The government today signed an accord with Assam's dreaded militant group - the National Democratic Front of Bodoland - bringing to an end the decades-long statehood movement which saw much bloodshed. The agreement will keep Assam's territorial integrity intact, while ensuring all-round development of the Bodo people, said Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam minister and the BJP's key strategist of the northeast. The tripartite agreement was signed by Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, top leadership of the four factions of the NDFB, ABSU, and the Centre. The All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU), which has been spearheading the statehood movement, was also signatory to the agreement.
