Authorities in Assam have imposed a temporary internet shutdown in two districts following renewed violent clashes between groups over the contentious issue of evicting alleged encroachers. The suspension order, issued on Tuesday, December 23, affects Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts.
Violence Erupts After Hunger Strike
The unrest stems from a prolonged hunger strike, lasting twelve days, organized by several political and social organizations. The protestors were demanding the removal of illegal settlers from protected lands. The situation escalated dramatically when agitators set fire to the residence of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) chief.
Assam's Director General of Police, Harmeet Singh, provided details on the sequence of events. He stated that a large crowd had gathered since the previous day. "I met the protestors and spoke with them," Singh said. He explained that their leader was taken to Guwahati for a medical check-up due to deteriorating health from the hunger strike, but misinformation spread that he was being arrested.
"Today, they tried to take over the bridge, and when we tried to stop them, they attacked us. Crude bombs and stones were thrown. I was attacked with bows and arrows," the DGP recounted. He confirmed that at least eight persons were injured in the clashes, while 48 police personnel sustained injuries. Police used lathicharge and fired tear-gas shells to disperse the violent crowd.
Government Response and Internet Shutdown
In response to the deteriorating law and order situation, the state's Home and Political Department issued an order suspending mobile internet services. The order clarified that the shutdown is temporary and will be lifted once the situation improves. Voice calls and broadband services based on fixed telephone lines will remain functional during this period.
The official order cited the need to maintain public peace and tranquility and to prevent any further deterioration of the situation as the primary reasons for the suspension. The orders will remain in force until further notice.
Root Cause and Government Assurance
Minister Ranoj Pegu shed light on the core issue, explaining that a section of people are angry because encroachers are settling on PGR (Professional Grazing Reserve) and VGR (Village Grazing Reserve) land. An attempt was made to evict them last year, but the process was stayed by an interim order from the Gauhati High Court following a petition.
DGP Harmeet Singh urged protestors to cease violence, assuring them that the state government is ready to find a solution. He revealed that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had given the protestors a date for talks, leading to the withdrawal of the hunger strike. However, vandalism continued.
"I want to give the message that the protestors should stop, and by doing this, they are not going to get anything. The government is ready to find a solution... Violence does not get anything for anybody," Singh asserted. He issued a stern warning, stating, "We have all the videos and the faces, we will take legal actions against miscreants."
