Daijiworld Media Network - Karbi Anglong
Karbi Anglong, Dec 24: Central Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district has witnessed intense violence over the past few days, prompting the deployment of the Army to restore law and order. The unrest, rooted in a long-standing tribal land dispute, has so far claimed two lives and left at least 45 people injured, including 38 police personnel.
According to officials, clashes erupted in the Kheroni area after police detained nine hunger strikers late Sunday night, citing deteriorating health and shifting them to Guwahati for treatment. The protesters, belonging to indigenous Karbi and other tribal groups, had been staging an indefinite hunger strike for over two weeks, demanding eviction of alleged encroachers from Village Grazing Reserves (VGRs) and Professional Grazing Reserves (PGRs).
As news of the detentions spread, anger flared among tribal villagers, leading to road blockades, vandalism and large-scale violence on Tuesday. Police personnel were reportedly attacked with stones, arrows and crude bombs, while shops and houses were torched. The residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member and BJP leader Tuliram Ronghang at Donkamokam was also set ablaze.
Two deaths were reported during the violence. One was a Karbi protester who succumbed to injuries sustained during police action, while the other was a Bengali man, identified as Suresh Dey, a disabled resident who was charred to death after being trapped inside a building set on fire at Kheroni market.
Assam Director General of Police Harmeet Singh said the situation remained tense but under control. “There was no fresh violence reported on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Additional security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas and prohibitory orders remain in force,” he said.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government suspended mobile internet and data services in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts, citing the risk of misinformation and further escalation through social media. The state Home Department warned of a potential breach of public peace and tranquillity.
The core issue behind the unrest lies in Karbi Anglong’s Sixth Schedule status under the Constitution, which provides special protections for tribal land and governance through autonomous councils. Tribal organisations allege that large tracts of VGR and PGR land meant for indigenous communities have been illegally occupied by non-tribals, including settlers from outside Assam.
Last year, the KAAC issued eviction notices to alleged encroachers, but the move was challenged in the Gauhati High Court, which issued an interim stay, leaving the dispute unresolved. Officials said this legal limbo has contributed to growing frustration among tribal communities.
On Wednesday, the Assam DGP confirmed that the Army was deployed in West Karbi Anglong to maintain law and order. The Chief Minister is expected to chair a meeting with stakeholders, including the Autonomous Council, to find a way forward.
While calm has returned to parts of Kheroni, officials remain cautious. Past incidents have shown that violence can flare up again once political leaders and senior officials leave the area. The recent unrest underscores the fragile peace in Karbi Anglong and highlights the urgent need for a durable resolution to land disputes and trust-building between communities.