Breaking: Intense Clashes Rock West Karbi Anglong, Assam; Two Dead, Dozens Injured
A wave of severe unrest has swept through the West Karbi Anglong district of Assam, leading to tragic fatalities and widespread injuries among law enforcement personnel. The escalating conflict, rooted in long-standing land disputes, saw protesters armed with crude weapons confront police, resulting in two deaths and nearly 50 officers, including top brass, sustaining injuries. In response, authorities have moved to suspend mobile internet services across the region to restore peace.
Violence Erupts Amidst Land Dispute Protests
On Tuesday, hundreds of protesters engaged in violent confrontations with police forces in West Karbi Anglong. The agitators, reportedly wielding crude bombs, bows and arrows, and stones, were demonstrating against the alleged illegal occupation of forest areas by non-tribal settlers. This deep-seated grievance over land encroachment has been a flashpoint in the region for some time.
- Two Fatalities Confirmed: One tribal individual tragically died during police action against the protesters, while a non-tribal man lost his life in a fire that engulfed the Kheroni main market.
- Police Forces Targeted: Assam Police Director General Harmeet Singh, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh, and 48 other police personnel were among those injured in the intense clashes.
Internet Services Halted to Maintain Order
In an immediate measure to prevent further escalation and maintain public peace, the district administration indefinitely suspended mobile internet services in both West Karbi Anglong and the neighboring Karbi Anglong districts. While mobile data is unavailable, voice calls and broadband services delivered via fixed lines remain operational.
Chief Minister Monitors Situation, Appeals for Calm
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to social media to express his profound sorrow over the loss of life and assured the public that he is closely monitoring the volatile situation. He announced that additional security forces would be deployed in Kherani, the epicentre of the crisis, to ensure peace. The Chief Minister also extended his condolences to the grieving families and pledged government support, emphasizing a commitment to resolving issues through constructive dialogue.
Police Chief Describes Attack, Urges Dialogue
DGP Harmeet Singh provided a stark account of the events, describing the incident as a "proper attack" where officers were assailed with bows, arrows, and stones. He further revealed that protesters used gas cylinders to set shops and markets ablaze, even throwing one cylinder at security personnel. Despite the aggression, DGP Singh reiterated the government's readiness for talks, stressing that violence yields no positive outcomes. He warned that legal action would be taken against those involved, as authorities possess video evidence and identify faces of the perpetrators. Singh appealed to society to guide the misguided youth away from violence, highlighting the importance of unity for the state's progress.
Deep Roots of the Land Conflict
The two hill districts, governed by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, have been grappling with land issues for an extended period. Residents have consistently protested the encroachment on Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands, demanding evictions for over a year. A hunger strike initiated on December 6 had been ongoing, underscoring the community's frustration.
Government Initiates Tripartite Talks for Resolution
In a bid to de-escalate the crisis, cabinet minister Ranoj Pegu met with the agitators in Kheroni. Following the discussions, protesters agreed to end their hunger strike and participate in crucial tripartite talks scheduled for December 26. These talks will involve the state government, the Karbi community, and representatives from the KAAC.
Minister Pegu clarified that the unrest initially stemmed from a misunderstanding when police moved some hunger-striking agitators to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital due to deteriorating health. He assured the Karbi community of the government's serious commitment to addressing land rights and other tribal issues. Despite land matters falling under KAAC's jurisdiction, the state government's involvement in tripartite discussions signals a broader effort to tackle the fundamental concerns affecting the Karbi community's existence.
