A deep-seated land dispute in Assam’s hilly Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts escalated into deadly violence on Tuesday, leaving at least two people dead and 45 others injured, including dozens of police personnel. In response to the deteriorating law and order situation, the state government has suspended mobile internet services in both districts and imposed a strict night curfew.
The Spark: Eviction Demands and Misinformation
The unrest centers on a long-standing demand by local tribal organizations for the eviction of alleged "illegal settlers" from the Village Grazing Reserves (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserves (PGR).
The situation turned critical following a 15-day hunger strike by protesters. Clashes were triggered on Monday by rumors that the hunger strikers had been arrested by police. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that the individuals were not under arrest but had been moved to Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) due to their deteriorating health.
Casualties and Escalation
Despite the clarification, violence spiraled out of control in the Kheroni market area and surrounding villages.
- Fatalities: Authorities confirmed two deaths. One victim, identified as 25-year-old Suresh Dey, a person with disabilities, died after a building was set ablaze. Another individual, Athik Timung, was killed during the direct clashes.
- Injuries: Out of the 45 injured, approximately 38 are police personnel, including senior IPS officers. Reports indicate that protesters used stones, arrows, and crude bombs against security forces.
- Arson: Mobs torched several shops in Kheroni Bazaar and set fire to the ancestral home of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member, Tuliram Ronghang.
Government Response and Security Measures
Assam Director General of Police (DGP) Harmeet Singh is currently on the ground to oversee security operations. The government has implemented several emergency measures to prevent further spread of the unrest:
- Internet Suspension: Mobile data and internet services are blocked to curb the spread of inflammatory messages and rumors. Voice calls and fixed-line broadband remain functional.
- Prohibitory Orders: Section 163 of the BNSS (formerly Section 144 CrPC) has been imposed, banning the assembly of five or more people.
- Night Curfew: A district-wide curfew is in effect from 5:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
- Legal Hurdles: Chief Minister Sarma noted that while the government acknowledges the concerns regarding grazing lands, the eviction process is currently stalled by a Gauhati High Court stay order.
"It is deeply painful that two persons lost their lives. We are in constant touch with all concerned to restore normalcy and resolve issues through dialogue," — Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam CM.
What’s Next?
A tripartite discussion involving the State Government, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, and the agitating groups has been scheduled for December 26, 2025, to find a peaceful resolution to the land dispute.
