Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday expressed shock over reports of slogans raised against the Karbi community amid escalating tensions in Assam’s Karbi Anglong region, urging unity, restraint and a sensitive approach by the state government to defuse the situation.
In a post on X, Gogoi said he was “shocked to hear about the slogans against the people of the Karbi community in Karbi Anglong,” describing them as ignorant and deeply disrespectful. “We must remember what Assam means and stands for. I appeal to everyone to remain united and urge for peace and calm. The state government need to find a way forward,” he wrote.
His remarks came against the backdrop of violent protests in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts, which led the Assam government to impose strict prohibitory orders and transfer a senior police officer. On Tuesday, Faiz Ahmed Barbhuiya, Additional Superintendent of Police (HQ) of West Karbi Anglong, was transferred amid heightened tensions.
To prevent ethnic or communal disturbances, the administration imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyay Suraksha Sanhita from December 22 until further notice. The order prohibits the assembly of five or more persons, restricts the movement of individuals and private vehicles between 5 pm and 6 am, and bans rallies, dharnas, torch processions and the use of loudspeakers without prior permission. Carrying firearms, firecrackers and making inflammatory speeches have also been barred, while essential services, educational institutions and offices continue to function.
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The unrest erupted after protesters demanding eviction of alleged illegal encroachers from Village Grazing Reserve and Professional Grazing Reserve lands allegedly set fire to the house of the Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council near Dongkamukam in West Karbi Anglong. Subsequent clashes between protesters and security forces left three protesters and several personnel injured, forcing police to resort to blank firing.
Gogoi alleged that one protester died in police firing and criticised the government for resorting to force instead of dialogue. Assam Director General of Police Harmeet Singh, however, said violence could not be justified, adding that 48 police personnel were injured and the government remained open to talks.
Internet services have been suspended in both districts to curb the spread of misinformation.
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