Assam's Karbi Anglong Plunged into Chaos: 2 Dead, Dozens Injured in Protests Over Land Eviction
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Violence has erupted in Assam's Karbi Anglong region, leaving a trail of destruction and death in its wake. The unrest began as a land eviction dispute, but quickly spiralled out of control, leaving two people dead and dozens injured. Police reported widespread vandalism, with several houses, shops, and public properties targeted in Kheroni and nearby areas. The situation escalated further when protesters marched to the ancestral residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) chief Tuliram Ronghang and set it ablaze. The violence is rooted in a long-standing land dispute, with protesters demanding the eviction of alleged encroachers from protected Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands. The situation took a turn for the worse when nine hunger-striking agitators were taken into custody for medical treatment, sparking rumours of detention that fuelled public anger. As the situation continued to deteriorate, authorities imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), banning gatherings and restricting movement between 5 pm and 6 am. Internet services were also suspended to prevent the spread of rumours and inflammatory content. The Assam Home and Political Department said that peaceful talks were underway, and urged people to pursue grievances through legal means. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the deployment of additional security forces and expressed condolences to the families of those killed. The agitation highlights a long-standing land dispute in the Sixth Schedule hill district, with protesters alleging encroachment of over 7,184 acres of protected land. The issue is further complicated by ongoing cases in the Gauhati High Court, which have stayed eviction drives. The situation in Karbi Anglong remains tense, with authorities scrambling to restore calm and rebuild trust with the local community. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the land dispute will be resolved and what the future holds for the people of Karbi Anglong.
