NEW DELHI, May 2: In a powerful and symbolic ceremony held in South Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a statue of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma and inaugurated a road named in his honour—Bodofa Upendranath Brahma Marg—while issuing a stern warning to terrorists in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam massacre, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, including one Nepali national, on April 22.
The renamed road, formerly part of Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, is located near the Kailash Colony Metro Station and now stands as a tribute to Bodofa, the revered Bodo leader known for spearheading a non-violent movement to advance the socio-political rights of the Bodo community.
The event, which also marked the 35th death anniversary of Bodofa, fulfilled a long-standing demand by the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) and saw an outpouring of respect for Bodofa’s legacy of peace, education, and identity.
Speaking at the gathering, Home Minister Amit Shah strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, delivering a fiery address promising decisive action. He declared, “This fight is not over. Chun chun ke badla lenge—we will avenge every drop of blood. No terrorist will be spared. The Modi government is committed to wiping out terrorism from every inch of Indian soil.”
He further emphasized that India’s war on terror is far from over, stating that the Modi-led government would issue a befitting and precise response to the perpetrators of the cowardly act. “It is our resolve to uproot terrorism from every inch of this country and it will be accomplished,” Shah said, adding, “The whole world has come together with India and is standing with 140 crore Indians in the fight against terrorism.”
Paying homage to Bodofa, Shah praised his vision of a peaceful and inclusive India, saying, “Bodofa envisioned a nation where identity and integrity coexist. His ideals remain more relevant than ever. This statue and road are a tribute not just to Bodoland but to every indigenous and smaller community in India.”
The event was attended by several prominent leaders, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, BTC Chief Pramod Boro, Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh, MPs Bansuri Swaraj, Joyanta Basumatary, and Rwngwra Narzary, along with ABSU President Dipen Boro and other dignitaries.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma called the occasion a proud moment for Assam, praising Bodofa’s peaceful leadership and describing it as a turning point in the Bodo community’s rights movement. “With this gesture, the Modi-Shah leadership has shown that Assam and its people are part of India’s core narrative, not the periphery,” Sarma said. He also announced a biography of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan and plans to name a military training program after him.
ABSU President Dipen Boro called the tribute “deeply moving,” while BTC Chief Pramod Boro highlighted the government’s commitment to the Bodo Accord. He said, “This is a historic moment our people will never forget. Bodofa launched the Bodoland movement 35 years ago, and with the support of the government, we’ve made significant progress. The Bodo Accord was a turning point for peace and development, and the government’s ongoing commitment to its implementation is evident. This road and statue in the national capital are more than tributes—they’re a powerful reminder that indigenous voices matter in India’s national narrative.”
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta echoed the sentiment, remarking, “Delhi represents all of India. Honouring Bodofa here is a sign of unity in diversity.”
To mark the occasion, ABSU lit over five lakh earthen lamps and candles across homes and public spaces in the Bodoland Territorial Region and greater Assam, turning the event into a statewide celebration of Bodofa’s legacy.
Organised by the Assam government, the event not only honoured a Bodo icon but also stood as a national reaffirmation of unity, peace, and resilience in the face of terror.
