Role of Social Movements in Conflict Transformation with special reference to Bodoland Movement

Abstract

This paper discusses the findings of the study on, role of Social Movements in Conflict Transformation with special reference to Bodoland Movement, conducted at Bodoland Territorial Area Districts, Assam. It highlights the results of the study such as-how Social Movements can act as a medium of Conflict Transformation, background of the Bodoland Movement, whether Bodoland Movement as a Social Movement has brought change at personal, relational, cultural and structural levels, how movement is achieving Conflict Transformation, how movement is achieving and losing its support base etc. The study too shows the dissatisfaction of the movement and failure of the successive governments to resolve the long standing Bodo issues. Therefore, there is need to understand the immediate situation, the pattern of relationship that exists among various institutions and the historical evolution of the Bodoland Movement. After that the civil activists, organizations and leaders of the movement along with the government need to work together to come out of the conundrum situation which is prevalent at this point of time. Along with that, contested issues need to be transformed through fruitful negotiation leading to conflict transformation in the region and to achieve greater social interests. Besides, the recent trend of transformation i.e. violent revolutionary means to non-violent peaceful methods in the movement needs to be fastened to get maximum support.