Key Points:
- Two civilians killed, 45 injured in Karbi Anglong district violence
- 38 police officers among injured as protesters clashed with security forces
- Demonstrators demand removal of encroachers from tribal grazing reserves
- Internet suspended, curfew imposed in West Karbi Anglong district
- Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma promises dialogue and additional security deployment
The situation in West Karbi Anglong district deteriorated rapidly on Tuesday when a peaceful movement demanding the removal of encroachers transformed into a violent confrontation that left two civilians dead and dozens injured. The unrest began in the Kheroni market area, where protesters had gathered to press their demand for clearing illegal settlers from tribal grazing reserves. According to police officials, the body of 25-year-old differently-abled man Suresh Dey was recovered from a burnt building, while Athik Timung died during the clashes. The violence escalated as demonstrators looted shops, torched vehicles, and set fire to the residence of Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.
The Core Demand: Grazing Reserve Controversy
Activists from various political parties and social organizations have been demanding the eviction of people illegally residing in the Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) areas across Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts. These reserved lands, meant for community grazing, have seen increasing encroachment over the years, sparking tensions between indigenous tribal communities and settlers. The protesters had been on a hunger strike for 15 days to pressure the government into taking action, ending it only after Minister Ranoj Pegu assured them of a tripartite meeting involving the Chief Minister.
Government Response and Police Action
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to the social media platform X to address the crisis, stating he was constantly monitoring the situation in West Karbi Anglong. He expressed deep sadness over the deaths and announced that additional security forces would deploy in the Kherani area on Wednesday to restore peace. The Chief Minister emphasized that dialogue remains the preferred path forward, saying, “We are in touch with all concerned parties to normalize the situation and find a solution through dialogue.” He also promised full government assistance to affected families.
Director General of Police Harmeet Singh revealed that despite initial assurances from protesters, the situation turned violent when demonstrators began throwing bombs, firing arrows, and setting shops ablaze. The intensity of the attack left 38 policemen injured, including IPS officers. Singh warned that police would take strict action against those taking the law into their own hands, while appealing to society to counsel misguided youth, noting that violence solves nothing.
How the Clashes Unfolded
Tensions had been building for days as local shopkeepers, whose businesses were burnt on Monday, joined forces with activists demanding encroacher removal. Despite prohibitory orders, large crowds, including women and children, gathered in Kheroni market. A senior police officer explained that security forces were attempting to pacify both sides when suddenly they began pelting stones at each other. Several protesters, policemen, and media personnel suffered injuries in the crossfire. When the mob grew uncontrollable, police resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
Previous Violence and Escalation
Monday’s clashes in Diphu had already injured four people, including a policeman, when protesters attacked the residences of KAAC chief Tuliram Ronghang and other officials. Approximately 15 shops in the market were set on fire, creating a volatile atmosphere that carried into Tuesday’s larger confrontation. The cycle of violence appears to be escalating, with each incident fueling greater anger on both sides of the dispute.
Current Situation and Security Measures
Authorities have temporarily suspended internet services in both Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts to prevent rumor-mongering and coordinated attacks. A strict curfew remains in effect, though the atmosphere stays tense. The administration plans to deploy additional security forces to sensitive areas while pursuing dialogue with community leaders. Minister Pegu has promised that Chief Minister Sarma will personally participate in the upcoming tripartite talks to resolve the grazing land issue.
Broader Context of Tribal Land Rights
Karbi Anglong, an autonomous hill district governed under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, has long grappled with land rights disputes between indigenous tribal communities and non-tribal settlers. The PGR and VGR lands represent critical resources for tribal livelihoods, particularly for cattle grazing. Encroachment on these lands threatens traditional ways of life and has become a flashpoint for ethnic tensions. The current violence reflects deeper unresolved issues about land governance, ethnic identity, and autonomy in Assam’s hill districts.
