The clashes have left at least two people dead and over 45 injured, including 38 police and security personnel, prompting authorities to suspend internet services and impose strict movement restrictions.
Two killed as grazing reserve dispute sparks unrest in Assam
Dispur: Violence erupted in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district following escalating tensions over land rights in protected grazing reserve areas. The clashes have left at least two people dead and over 45 injured, including 38 police and security personnel, prompting authorities to suspend internet services and impose strict movement restrictions.
What Triggered the Violence?
The unrest stems from a long-standing dispute between local groups over the Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands. Protesters are demanding the removal of what they describe as “outsiders” or alleged encroachers from these areas. Karbi Anglong falls under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides special protections for tribal land and governance.
Tensions peaked in the Kheroni and Dongkamkam areas, where clashes broke out between rival groups. Police intervened using crowd-control measures, including lathi-charge and tear gas, to prevent the situation from worsening.
Hunger Strike Incident Escalates Protests
The situation deteriorated further after nine protesters on a hunger strike were taken by police for medical treatment. Rumors quickly spread that they had been detained, sparking anger and leading to large-scale demonstrations.
On Monday, December 22, protesters allegedly set fire to the ancestral home of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Tuliram Ronghang. Several shops, motorcycles, and public properties were also damaged during the unrest.
Restrictions Imposed, Security Tightened
Authorities have enforced Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), banning the assembly of five or more people, rallies, torchlight processions, and the use of loudspeakers. Night-time movement has been restricted between 5 PM and 6 AM.
Appeal for Peace
Inspector General of Police Akhilesh Kumar Singh said that talks are ongoing with community leaders to restore calm. He urged residents to pursue their grievances through legal means rather than resorting to violence.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is closely monitoring the situation and has ordered the deployment of additional security forces. He also expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
