Latest Update: Unrest Grips Assam's Karbi Anglong Over Land Rights
For three consecutive days, the Karbi Anglong region of Assam has been a scene of intense protests and violence. The escalating situation, rooted in long-standing disputes over land rights, has led to two deaths, numerous injuries, and significant disruption. In response, authorities have enforced strict measures, including a curfew-like situation and a complete suspension of mobile internet services in the affected districts.
The core of the conflict revolves around allegations of illegal settlement by non-tribal individuals on lands designated for tribal communities. These areas are constitutionally protected under the Sixth Schedule, granting autonomy to safeguard indigenous land and culture.
What Triggered the Violence?
The unrest primarily affects West Karbi Anglong and its neighboring Karbi Anglong district. Tensions, which have been simmering for a considerable time regarding land ownership, exploded into direct confrontations between tribal protesters and security forces. Hereโs a breakdown of key events:
- One tribal demonstrator tragically lost their life during police intervention.
- A non-tribal man died in a fire that engulfed several shops in Kheroni, a trading hub now at the heart of the conflict.
- Senior police officials, including Assam DGP Harmeet Singh and IGP Akhilesh Kumar Singh, were among 48 security personnel injured. Protesters reportedly used bows, arrows, crude bombs, and stones in their attacks.
- Police reported attempts by protesters to seize control of a bridge, leading to further clashes when they were stopped.
The Roots of the Protest: Land Rights and Constitutional Protection
The Karbi community initiated these protests, alleging that non-tribal settlers are illegally encroaching upon vital professional and village grazing lands. The Karbi Anglong autonomous council governs these districts under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This special provision grants tribal areas significant autonomy over land, forests, and local governance, specifically to protect indigenous communities and their rights.
For over a year, residents have been demanding the eviction of these alleged encroachers, warning that unchecked settlements threaten their traditional land rights and way of life.
Escalation: Hunger Strike and Misinformation
The situation intensified significantly after members of the Karbi community began a hunger strike on December 6. The protests took a violent turn when police moved some fasting individuals to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital due to their deteriorating health. This action, according to police, led to the rapid spread of misinformation.
False rumors circulated that a protest leader had been arrested, igniting widespread anger and triggering the subsequent violence. DGP Harmeet Singh clarified that the leader was taken for a medical check-up, not arrested, emphasizing that violence achieves nothing.
Government Response and Path Forward
In an effort to restore order and prevent further escalation, the Assam government implemented critical measures:
- Mobile internet services were suspended immediately in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts. Voice calls and fixed-line broadband connections remain active.
- District magistrates issued warnings about the potential for social media to spread inflammatory messages and rumors.
- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the deployment of additional security forces to Kheroni and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, offering condolences and support to the affected families.
Despite the ongoing violence, state cabinet minister Ranoj Pegu met with protesters in Kheroni. He announced that the hunger strike would be called off, and a tripartite talk session is scheduled for December 26. These talks will involve the state government and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, aiming to address land rights and broader issues concerning the Karbi community.
Even with the promise of dialogue, incidents of arson continued, with shops and markets in Kheroni being set ablaze. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to examine video footage and identify those responsible for the attacks.
Call for Calm
Authorities are actively working to restore peace, urging community leaders to encourage restraint among young people and prevent further violence ahead of the crucial talks planned for later this week. The focus remains on finding a peaceful resolution to the complex land rights issues facing the Karbi Anglong region.
