Assam’s West Karbi Anglong Gradually Returns to Normalcy After Violence
West Karbi Anglong violence has begun to subside as affected areas in Assam slowly return to normal under heavy security deployment and strict monitoring by authorities.
Security Forces Maintain Tight Vigil
Senior officials confirmed that personnel from the Assam Police, Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Indian Army remain stationed across sensitive locations. Regular patrols and flag marches are underway to ensure law and order.
“The situation is calm and under control. Our forces are actively patrolling vulnerable areas,” a senior official told PTI.
An Army column, comprising around 60 to 80 personnel, has also been deployed in the district and conducted flag marches in affected localities.
Deaths and Injuries During Violent Clashes
The violence erupted amid tensions between Karbi and Bihari communities over alleged encroachment on Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands.
Two people lost their lives during the clashes. Suresh Dey, a specially abled youth, was burnt alive when his house-cum-shop was allegedly set on fire by a mob. Another victim, Athik Timung from the Karbi community, died in police firing. Authorities conducted both funerals peacefully on Wednesday night.
Over 70 people sustained injuries during the violence, including more than 60 police personnel. The Kheroni area, home to Karbi, Bihari, Bengali, and Nepali communities, bore the brunt of the unrest.
Restrictions Remain in Place
Although normalcy is gradually returning, the district administration has decided to continue prohibitory orders and mobile internet suspension for now. Officials said they are reviewing the situation regularly before lifting restrictions.
“People are slowly stepping out of their homes and trying to resume daily activities,” a district administration official said.
Trigger Behind the Unrest
The violence followed a 15-day hunger strike by Karbi agitators demanding eviction of alleged illegal settlers from grazing lands in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts. Tensions escalated after police removed three protesters from the site, claiming they needed medical attention.
Chief Minister’s Statement
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that immediate eviction of alleged encroachers is not possible due to a stay order by the Gauhati High Court. He urged all communities to maintain peace and allow legal processes to take their course.
Authorities remain on high alert as West Karbi Anglong cautiously moves towards normalcy. Follow for more updates on FM News.
