The Army conducted a flag march in the violence-hit West Karbi Anglong district of Assam on Wednesday to help restore law and order, Director General of Police Harmeet Singh said.
Over the past two days, violent clashes in Kheroni and surrounding areas left two dead and more than 70 people injured, including over 60 police personnel. Singh, who has been overseeing operations on the ground since Monday night, said the situation is now “totally under control.”
“Army columns have reached here and marched through these areas. I have personally covered the entire zone,” Singh told reporters.
The unrest erupted after agitators from the Karbi community, who had been on a 15-day hunger strike demanding eviction of alleged illegal settlers from Village Grazing Reserve and Professional Grazing Reserve lands, went on a rampage. Violence escalated when police removed three protestors early Monday, reportedly for hospitalisation.
Singh said police are reviewing video footage to identify and arrest those responsible. He appealed to elders and parents to counsel youths against violence, stressing that dialogue is the only solution.
Also read: Assam steps up security in Karbi Anglong after two deaths
“The mob committed vandalism, attacked officials, and set fire to markets. Tragically, a differently-abled person died in the blaze. Cylinders from a nearby gas agency were inflamed by the crowd,” Singh said.
Top officers, including Singh and IG (Law and Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh, sustained injuries in stone-pelting incidents. Singh emphasised that legal action would follow as per evidence collected.
He added that the Assam government has agreed to a tripartite meeting involving state authorities, local council representatives, and agitators to address grievances peacefully.
“The magistrate repeatedly asked the crowd to disperse, but they attacked officials instead. Nobody benefits from such violence,” Singh said.
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