Heavy security deployment and prohibitory orders kept a fragile calm in Assam’s Karbi Anglong region on Wednesday, a day after violent clashes left two people dead and dozens injured, including senior police officers.
Officials said no fresh violence was reported overnight in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts, though the situation remained tense amid continued mobilisation by rival groups. Additional companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were deployed, and joint flag marches were conducted to maintain law and order.
“As of now, the situation is under control. There was no violence throughout the night and this morning. However, it is very tense as the two warring communities started mobilising in small numbers at different places,” a senior official said.
The unrest, centred in the Kheroni area of West Karbi Anglong, stems from a long-running dispute between the Karbi and Bihari communities over alleged encroachment on Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) land in tribal belts.
Violence flared on Tuesday after shops belonging to the Bihari community were allegedly torched. Police said clashes broke out when large groups defied prohibitory orders, prompting baton charges, tear gas shelling and, eventually, firing.
Also read: 2 killed in violent clashes in Assam’s tribal council area
One Karbi youth, Athik Timung, was killed in police firing, while 25-year-old Suresh Dey, a specially abled man, was burnt alive inside a shop set ablaze during the violence. At least 45 people were injured, including 38 police personnel. Assam Police Director General Harmeet Singh suffered a shoulder injury during stone-pelting, while IG (Law and Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh was injured in the leg.
“When police tried to pacify both sides, they were pelted with stones. I took a hit on my shoulder, and an IPS officer was injured. At least 38 personnel have been injured,” Singh told reporters.
Internet services were suspended indefinitely in both districts to curb the spread of rumours, while night curfew and prohibitory orders remain in force.
The Karbi agitators, who had been on a hunger strike for 15 days demanding eviction of alleged illegal settlers, called off their protest following talks with Tribal Affairs Minister Ranoj Pegu. A senior official said the first round of tripartite talks involving Karbi organisations, the Assam government and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council is expected on December 26.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the situation as “very sensitive” and said efforts were underway to restore normalcy through dialogue.
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