A coalition of opposition parties in Assam has urgently called for the comprehensive rehabilitation of families displaced by the recent inter-community violence in West Karbi Anglong district. The parties also demanded adequate compensation for the kin of the two individuals who lost their lives.
Joint Memorandum to Governor
On Wednesday, the opposition submitted a joint memorandum to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, pressing for immediate relief and sustainable long-term solutions for those impacted by the unrest centered around the Kheroni area. The memorandum outlined a multi-point plan for recovery.
The opposition stressed that the rehabilitation of all affected people must be the top priority. Their demands included livelihood restoration through employment or skill development programs, priority access to credit and short-term loans, and the urgent repair of community infrastructure such as schools, roads, and bridges.
Protection of Tribal Lands and Demands for Probe
A core point in the memorandum was the insistence on upholding tribal land protections guaranteed under the Constitution's Sixth Schedule. It stated that any rehabilitation of non-tribal populations must preserve the existing demographic structure and maintain the Assamese majority.
The document called for financial compensation for both tribal and non-tribal families who suffered loss of life, injury, livelihood, or property damage due to the violence at Kheroni Bazar.
The opposition alliance, comprising the Congress, CPI(M), Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad, All Party Hill Leaders Conference, CPI, and CPI(ML) Liberation, also turned its focus to a controversial demolition. They demanded the immediate suspension of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang.
This demand follows the burning and subsequent bulldozing of Ronghang's residence during the unrest. The memorandum alleged the demolition was a rushed attempt to conceal evidence related to corruption, undisclosed assets, and other illegal activities. It further cited public allegations that a significant cache of arms and ammunition was found at the property.
The parties have called for a high-level judicial inquiry to investigate the arson, the alleged destruction of evidence, and to ascertain the administration's role in the events.
Background of the Violence and Aftermath
The clashes erupted in West Karbi Anglong amid heightened tensions between the Karbi and Bihari communities. The core dispute involved alleged encroachment on Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands within tribal belts by Hindi-speaking settlers.
The tension had been building due to a 15-day hunger strike by Karbi community agitators demanding the eviction of alleged illegal settlers, many from Bihar, from these protected lands. The situation escalated dramatically on December 22 after police detained three agitators from the protest site in the early hours, a move the administration later said was for hospitalisation.
Kheroni was among the worst-affected areas. One person was killed in police firing, and another was burnt alive inside his house. The violence left more than 180 people injured, including 173 security personnel.
To control the situation, an Army column was deployed in the district. The soldiers conducted flag marches in the violence-hit areas to restore order. A joint delegation of opposition leaders had visited the affected Kheroni areas on Tuesday, meeting victim families. They alleged a "political conspiracy" behind the clashes and accused the administration of having "completely failed" to control the situation.
