Deadly Clashes Erupt Over Land Rights in Assam's Karbi Anglong
Fierce protests by tribal groups against the presence of non-tribal settlers in a specially protected hill region of Assam led to two deaths on Tuesday. This tragic event has highlighted deep-seated issues concerning land rights and the Indian Constitution's Sixth Schedule protections. The unrest unfolded in West Karbi Anglong, a district bordering Meghalaya.
Security Forces Injured, Internet Services Suspended
Top police officials, including Assam DGP Harmeet Singh and IGP (Law and Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh, along with 48 other police personnel, sustained injuries during the clashes. Protesters, some carrying traditional weapons like bows and arrows, along with crude bombs and stones, confronted security personnel.
- One tribal protester died during police intervention.
- A non-tribal man lost his life in a fire that engulfed shops in Kheroni, a key trading town now at the center of the disturbance.
By Tuesday evening, authorities indefinitely suspended mobile internet services in West Karbi Anglong and the neighboring Karbi Anglong district. This measure was taken to prevent the situation from worsening, though voice calls and fixed-line broadband remained operational.
Understanding the Core Conflict: Sixth Schedule and Land Encroachment
The districts of West Karbi Anglong and Karbi Anglong are governed by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. This important law grants tribal regions significant autonomy over land, forests, and local governance. Its primary aim is to safeguard the unique cultures and lands of indigenous communities.
For over a year, local residents have been protesting against non-tribal settlers moving into and taking over designated grazing lands, known as professional grazing reserves (PGR) and village grazing reserves (VGR). They have repeatedly demanded that these settlers be evicted.
Escalation of Tensions and Government Response
Tensions grew sharper after members of the Karbi community began a hunger strike on December 6. On Tuesday, the situation worsened into violent clashes. This happened after police moved some hunger strikers to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital due to their declining health. Protesters reportedly misunderstood this action, leading to intensified confrontation.
State cabinet minister Ranoj Pegu, who had met with protesters in Kheroni, stated that the group agreed to end their hunger strike. They also committed to join three-way discussions on December 26, involving the state government and the KAAC. "We 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."
Aftermath and Official Action
Despite plans for talks, shops and markets in Kheroni were set on fire during the day's events. Police confirmed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed. They are reviewing video evidence and actively working to find those responsible for the attacks.
DGP Harmeet Singh, who was at the scene with the IGP, described the events as a planned attack. He recounted being targeted with bows and arrows, which had to be blocked with shields, and also being hit by stones. Singh mentioned that protesters used gas cylinders to torch markets, even throwing one at security forces.
He stressed that the government is willing to talk, adding that "violence does not achieve anything." He warned that "legal action will follow" as authorities have video evidence and can identify individuals. Singh urged communities to control young people who he believes are "misguided and being misused."
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he is closely watching the situation. He announced that more security forces are being sent to Kheroni, a town about 250km east of Guwahati. He expressed deep sorrow over the "painful" loss of two lives during the day's events, sending his condolences and promising support for the affected families. This latest update underscores the government's commitment to restoring peace and addressing the underlying issues in Assam's Karbi Anglong region.
