Assam Tribal Unrest: Situation out of control in Karbi Anglong, Assam: IPS officer injured, arson in market, internet shut down

Assam Tribal Unrest: Assam’s Karbi Anglong And the situation is worsening rapidly in West Karbi Anglong districts. The violence that broke out in Kheroni area took a violent turn on Tuesday evening, in which about 38 policemen including two IPS officers were injured. Considering the seriousness of the situation, the state government has stopped mobile internet and data services in both the districts with immediate effect.

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According to the report of Indian Express, the violence that started on Monday afternoon flared up again on Tuesday evening. The video that surfaced from the market area of ​​Kheroni showed pictures of arson in shops, explosions by taking out cylinders and massive vandalism. To control the situation, the police had to release tear gas shells.

Describing the seriousness of the situation, Assam DGP Harmeet Singh, who is present at the spot, said, “I myself had gone to talk to the mob directly, but now they are attacking the police from two directions. About 38 policemen have been injured, including IPS officers. On Monday, they had promised that they would not damage the shops anymore, but today the cylinders were taken out and broken. They are being attacked with arrows and stones. This way, a solution is not possible.”

Why did the violence erupt? Two weeks hunger strike became the reason

The roots of this violence are linked to the two-week-old hunger strike going on in Phelangpi area of ​​West Karbi Anglong. Karbi tribal organizations have been demanding for a long time that the alleged encroachment from PGR (Professional Grazing Reserve) and VGR (Village Grazing Reserve) lands should be removed. There is a dispute regarding the settlement of families of Bihari and Nepali community on these lands.

Nine people were sitting on “fast unto death”. On Monday, when the police took him to Guwahati for treatment, this move became the reason for the explosion of tension. Tribal organizations called it an act of forced removal, while the police said that this step was taken for medical reasons.

Internet shut down, government strict on rumors

After the violence spread, the Home Department of the Assam government issued an order suspending internet services in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong. The order states that “there is a possibility of disturbance of public peace and inflammatory messages, rumors and misinformation may spread through social media, which may worsen the situation.” The government believes that this step is necessary to stop rumors and incitement.

Minister arrived, announced talks… but violence broke out again

On Tuesday, Assam Government Minister Ranoj Pegu visited Kheroni and Phelangpi area. He told that “I met the representatives of the Karbi community. After my appeal, they have agreed to end the hunger strike. Also, tripartite talks have been agreed with the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and the Government of Assam.” He also announced that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will preside over this important meeting on 26 December. However, as soon as the minister left the area, violence broke out again, further increasing the administration’s concerns.

Recurring tension in tribal dominated areas

Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong, both are tribal dominated hill districts, which come under the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. Here issues related to land rights, encroachment and tribal identity have often been a cause of tension. This time the hunger strike and demand for encroachment has brought the situation to a violent turn.

At present, heavy police force is deployed in Kheroni area, the situation is being monitored. The administration says that restoration of peace is the first priority, but at the same time strict action will be taken against those who play with law and order. Now everyone’s eyes are on the proposed meeting to be held on 26th December. The question is whether this volcano will be brought under control through talks, or will Karbi Anglong once again continue to burn in the fire of prolonged tension?