Diphu (Assam), Dec 24 (PTI) The situation remained tense but under control in Assam’s Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts on Wednesday, with no fresh incidents of violence reported, officials said, as security was strengthened to maintain law and order.
Two people were killed and at least 45 others, including 38 police personnel, injured on Tuesday during violent clashes in the Kheroni area of West Karbi Anglong. Assam Police DGP Harmeet Singh and IG (Law and Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh sustained minor injuries in stone-pelting incidents.
“As of now, the situation is under control. There was no violence throughout the night and this morning, though tensions remain high with small mobilisations by both communities at different locations,” a senior official told PTI.
Five additional CRPF companies have been deployed, and security forces conducted a joint flag march on Wednesday morning. The unrest stems from a long-running dispute between Karbi and Bihari communities over alleged encroachment on Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) land in tribal belts.
On Tuesday, processions by Karbi groups and gatherings by members of the other community brought both sides face-to-face near the Kapili bridge, but police managed to prevent a direct clash. Despite prohibitory orders, large crowds took to the streets, leading to violent confrontations involving stones, sticks, rods, and even bows and arrows.
Police resorted to baton charges, tear gas, and eventually firing to disperse the mobs. One Karbi youth, Athik Timung, was killed in police firing, while Suresh Dey, a specially abled 25-year-old from the Bihari community, was burnt alive inside a shop set on fire in Kheroni.
Internet services were suspended indefinitely in both districts on Tuesday to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain peace. The violence followed a 15-day hunger strike by Karbi agitators demanding eviction of alleged illegal settlers. The protest escalated after three agitators were taken away by police, reportedly for hospitalisation.
The hunger strike was called off on Tuesday after Assam Tribal Affairs Minister Ranoj Pegu held talks with the protesters and assured a tripartite dialogue involving the Assam government and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC). The first round of talks is expected on December 26.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the situation as “very sensitive,” expressed grief over the deaths, and said he was closely monitoring developments. He assured support to affected families and stressed that issues would be resolved through dialogue.
Prohibitory orders remain in force in both districts, and a night curfew has been imposed in Karbi Anglong from 5 pm to 6 am, restricting the movement of people and private vehicles.
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