NEW DELHI: Violent protests against alleged illegal non-tribal settlements in Assam’s constitutionally protected mountain region of Karbi Anglong entered its third day on Wednesday. Two people were killed and dozens were injured.The violence erupted in West Karbi Anglong and neighboring Karbi Anglong district after long-simmering tensions over land rights escalated into clashes between tribal protesters and security forces. A tribal protester died in a police operation while a non-tribal man was killed in a fire that destroyed several shops in Kheroni, a small commercial town that has become the epicenter of the unrest, police said.
Security forces attacked and high-ranking officials were injured
Assam DGP Harmeet Singh said 48 policemen, including senior officers, were injured after protesters armed with bows, arrows, simple bombs and stones attacked security forces. DGP and IGP Law and Order Akhilesh Kumar Singh was among those injured in the clashes.Police said protesters attempted to take control of a bridge in the area and became violent when they were stopped.“Today they tried to take over the bridge and when we tried to stop them, they attacked us. Heavy bombs and stones were thrown. I was attacked with a bow and arrow,” Singh said, adding that the police had video footage and would take legal action against those responsible.
Land Rights and Sixth Schedule at its core
The protests are based on the Karbi community’s resistance to what they say is illegal intrusion by non-tribal settlers into areas of professional grazing reserves and village grazing reserves.The districts fall under the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, which is governed by the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which grants tribal regions autonomy over land, forests and local governance to protect indigenous communities.Residents have been calling for the eviction of suspected trespassers for more than a year, saying uncontrolled settlements threaten tribal land rights.
Hunger strikes and misinformation sparked violence
Tensions worsened after members of the Karbi community went on hunger strike on December 6. The situation came to a head on Tuesday after police shifted some fasting protesters to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital due to their deteriorating health.According to police, misinformation spread that a protest leader had been arrested, leading to anger and violence.“A huge crowd has gathered here since yesterday. I met the protesters and spoke to them. Last night, their leader was taken to Guwahati for a medical check-up as doctors believed his health was deteriorating due to the hunger strike. However, someone spread the false information that he was being arrested. Violence does no good to anyone,” DGP Harmeet Singh told reporters.
Talks announced, arson continues
State Cabinet Minister Ranoj Pegu, who earlier met protesters in Kheroni, said the group had agreed to call off the hunger strike and participate in tripartite talks between the state government and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council on December 26.“We have assured the Karbi community that the government is serious about land rights and other tribal issues,” Pegu said, adding that the talks would address “broader issues related to the existence of the Karbi community.”Despite assurances of talks, violence continued throughout the day, with shops and markets set ablaze in Cheroni. Police said a special investigation team has been formed and video footage is being examined to identify those involved in arson and attacks.
Internet blocked to prevent escalation
In response to the deteriorating law and order situation, the Assam government on Tuesday ordered suspension of internet and mobile data services in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts with immediate effect.“It is, however, clarified that voice calling and broadband connectivity based on fixed telephone lines will remain functional during this period. Any violation of the publication will be punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and also under the relevant provision of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885,” said Biswajit Pegu, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Assam, Ministry of Home Affairs and Politics.The government said district judges warned that social media could be used to spread inflammatory messages and rumors, further escalating tensions.
CM monitors the situation and calls for calm
Assam Chief Minister Biswa Sarma said he was closely monitoring the situation and announced the deployment of additional troops in Kheroni, about 250 km east of Guwahati.“It is deeply painful that two people lost their lives in today’s unrest,” Sarma said in a post on X, expressing condolences to the families of the deceased and assuring all possible support.Authorities said efforts were underway to restore calm and urged community leaders to restrain youths and prevent further violence ahead of planned talks later this week.
