Two people were killed and dozens of police personnel injured on Tuesday during violent tribal protests in Assam's constitutionally protected hill districts. The unrest, centered on long-standing grievances over illegal non-tribal settlements and land rights, erupted into a major confrontation in West Karbi Anglong.
Coordinated Attack Leaves Top Officers Wounded
The situation turned violent when crowds, armed with traditional weapons and crude bombs, launched an attack on security forces. Assam's Director General of Police (DGP) Harmeet Singh and IGP (Law and Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh were among the 48 police personnel wounded in the clash. DGP Singh described a "proper attack" where protesters used bows, arrows, and stones, forcing police to use shields for protection.
Police reported that one tribal protester died during police action. In a separate incident in the town of Kheroni, a non-tribal man lost his life in a fire that gutted several shops. The town has become the epicenter of the ongoing unrest.
Roots of the Conflict: Land and Constitutional Protections
The violence stems from a dispute that has simmered for over a year. The affected districts, West Karbi Anglong and Karbi Anglong, are governed by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. This provision grants tribal regions autonomy over land, forests, and local governance to protect indigenous communities.
Local tribal residents have been protesting against the encroachment of non-tribal settlers on protected lands designated as Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR). Tensions escalated sharply after members of the Karbi community began a hunger strike on December 6.
Government Response and Path to Talks
In response to the deteriorating law and order, the administration indefinitely suspended mobile internet services in both districts to prevent the spread of misinformation and further escalation. Voice calls and fixed-line broadband services remained operational.
Despite the day's violence, a potential resolution was outlined. State Cabinet Minister Ranoj Pegu, who met with protesters, stated that the group agreed to call off their hunger strike. Tripartite talks involving the state government, the KAAC, and the protesters are scheduled for December 26.
"We assured the Karbi community that the government is serious about land rights and other tribal issues," Pegu said, emphasizing that discussions would address broader existential concerns of the community.
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep pain over the loss of lives and announced the deployment of additional forces to Kheroni. Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine video evidence and trace those responsible for the attacks and arson.
DGP Singh issued a stern warning, stating, "Govt is ready to talk. Violence does not achieve anything. We have all the videos and faces. Legal action will follow." He appealed to communities to restrain youths he described as "misguided and being misused."
