Karbi Anglong, Dec 24: At least two people were killed and dozens injured after protests over alleged land encroachment turned violent in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district, prompting authorities to impose curfew, suspend internet services, and deploy additional security forces.
The violence erupted in the Kheroni area on Tuesday, December 23, during protests demanding the eviction of alleged encroachers from Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands.
The disputed areas fall under the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), which operates under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution aimed at safeguarding tribal rights.
According to district officials, one of the deceased was a 25-year-old man from a non-tribal local community who was killed after being trapped inside a building that was set ablaze during the clashes.
The second victim, a member of the indigenous Karbi community, succumbed to critical injuries sustained during police action to disperse violent crowds.
At least 48 police personnel, including senior officers such as the Director General of Police (DGP) and Inspector General of Police (IGP), were injured during the unrest.
Several civilians also sustained injuries. Officials said protesters used stones, crude bombs, and traditional weapons including bows and arrows, leading to injuries on both sides.
The unrest is linked to a hunger strike that had been ongoing for over two weeks at Phelangpi, where nine tribal activists were staging a sit-in demanding the eviction of alleged illegal settlements from protected grazing reserves.
Protesters claim these lands are crucial for tribal livelihoods, particularly for grazing livestock, and allege that non-tribal settlements threaten their traditional rights and way of life.
Tensions escalated sharply after the ancestral home of KAAC Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang was set on fire earlier this week.
Several vehicles and shops were also vandalised, triggering large-scale violence across parts of the district. In response, the Assam government imposed curfews in sensitive areas and enforced prohibitory orders under Section 163.
Mobile internet services were temporarily suspended in both Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts to curb the spread of rumours and misinformation. A night curfew remains in place.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed grief over the loss of lives and appealed for calm. “I am saddened by the deaths.
The government is closely monitoring the situation. My appeal is for maintaining peace. We will hold discussions with all stakeholders in the coming days to find a permanent solution,” he said in a post on social media.
Security forces continue to be deployed across affected areas. While no fresh incidents of violence were reported on Wednesday, officials said the situation remains tense, with authorities urging residents to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement.
