West Karbi Anglong, Assam: Tensions remain high but a fragile calm has settled over West Karbi Anglong district in Assam following days of violent clashes between the Karbi and Bihari communities. The clashes, rooted in a long-standing land dispute, have resulted in casualties, injuries, and significant property damage.
The unrest was triggered by allegations of encroachment on Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands by Hindi-speaking settlers, primarily from Bihar. These lands are within the tribal belts, leading to rising tensions with the local Karbi community. Agitators from the Karbi community had been on a 15-day hunger strike, demanding the eviction of these alleged illegal settlers from Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts.
The situation escalated when police removed three agitators from the protest site, which authorities later explained was for medical reasons. This sparked widespread unrest, culminating in violent clashes. Protesters attacked police with stones, arrows, and crude bombs. Shops and houses were torched, including the residence of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) chief, Tuliram Ronghang.
The violence has left two people dead: a specially-abled youth named Suresh Dey, who died after his house-cum-shop was set on fire, and a Karbi youth, Athik Timung, who was killed in police firing. Over 70 people were injured, including more than 60 police personnel, some of whom sustained injuries from arrows, stones, and crude bombs. Among the injured were senior IPS officers, including the state DGP.
In response to the escalating violence, the Assam government deployed the Army to maintain law and order. An Army column, typically consisting of 60 to 80 personnel, conducted flag marches in sensitive areas of West Karbi Anglong. Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders and suspended mobile internet services in West Karbi Anglong and the adjoining Karbi Anglong districts to prevent further escalation.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the situation, stating that the demands for immediate eviction of alleged encroachers could not be met due to a stay order from the Gauhati High Court. He stressed the need to respect the court's decision while seeking a resolution to the underlying land dispute.
Funerals for the deceased were conducted peacefully on Wednesday night, under the watch of security forces. The Kheroni area, which houses Bihari, Bengali, Nepali, and Karbi residents, was among the worst-hit zones. Despite the tense atmosphere, residents are gradually resuming normal activities.
The situation is being closely monitored by security forces, including the Assam Police, Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Indian Army. While no fresh incidents of violence have been reported, prohibitory orders and mobile data suspension remain in effect as authorities assess the ground situation and work towards restoring lasting peace and stability in the region. Protests have continued in parts of the region over the death of the physically disabled man. Hindi and Bengali speaking residents have blocked roads and demanded the arrest of those responsible, as well as compensation for the victim's family.
