In the wake of recent violence in Assam's Karbi Anglong district, opposition parties are demanding the rehabilitation of affected families and a thorough judicial inquiry into the events. A joint delegation of opposition parties, including members from the Congress, CPI(M), Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad, and others, submitted a memorandum to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Wednesday, seeking immediate relief and long-term measures for those impacted by the unrest in the Kheroni area.
The violence, which erupted in West Karbi Anglong, resulted in the deaths of two people, injuries to many others including 173 security personnel, and the destruction of property. Mobile internet services were suspended, and prohibitory orders were imposed in the affected districts. The immediate trigger for the unrest was a hunger strike by Karbi protesters demanding the eviction of alleged encroachers from Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands. These lands are traditionally reserved for livestock grazing and are crucial for the livelihoods of tribal communities.
Tensions escalated when the protesters were taken to Guwahati for medical reasons, leading to rumors of their arrest and triggering widespread violence. Agitators went on a rampage, resulting in stone-pelting, arson, and clashes with security forces. One person was killed in police firing, and another was burnt alive in his house.
The opposition parties have alleged a "political conspiracy" behind the violence, accusing the ruling dispensation of pursuing a "divide and rule" policy to gain electoral advantages. They claim the government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) have failed to handle the situation effectively. The opposition has also pointed to widespread irregularities and corruption within the KAAC as contributing factors to the unrest.
In their memorandum to the Governor, the opposition parties stressed the need to prioritize the rehabilitation of those affected by the violence. Their demands include: * Adequate financial compensation for the families of the deceased and injured. * Relief for those who have suffered loss of livelihood and property damage. * Livelihood restoration through employment or skill development initiatives. * Priority access to credit and loans. * Restoration of community infrastructure, including schools, roads, and bridges. * A judicial inquiry into the losses caused by the violent incidents.
The opposition also emphasized the importance of upholding tribal land protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. They stated that any rehabilitation of non-tribal populations should preserve the existing demographic structure and maintain the majority of the Assamese population.
The Karbi Anglong region has a history of insurgency and ethnic tensions, rooted in disputes over land rights and autonomy. Karbi insurgent groups have operated in the area since the late 1980s, initially demanding a separate Karbi state before moderating their demands to greater autonomy under the KAAC. The current unrest highlights the fragile balance between tribal autonomy, land rights, and demographic pressures in the region.
The KAAC has decided to carry out eviction of all encroached PGR and VGR land in the twin districts within the next 15 days and will issue eviction notices.
