An uneasy calm prevails in violence-affected areas of West Karbi Anglong district as of December 25, with officials reporting no new incidents despite a strong security presence. Around-the-clock patrols by the Assam Police, Rapid Action Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and Indian Army are ongoing in sensitive locations. A senior official stated, “The situation is calm now and there is no report of any violence. Our forces are on the ground and monitoring all vulnerable locations.”
The recent clashes arose from longstanding tensions between Karbi groups and Hindi-speaking residents, primarily over accusations of encroachment on Village Grazing Reserve and Professional Grazing Reserve lands. Severe violence erupted earlier this week in the Kheroni area, home to diverse communities, including Karbi, Bihari, Bengali, and Nepali populations.
Two fatalities were confirmed during the unrest. Suresh Dey, a specially abled youth, was found dead in his house-cum-shop, which had been set ablaze, while Athik Timung from the Karbi community died during police firing. Officials noted that both funerals were conducted peacefully on Wednesday night according to their customs.
Although there are signs of normalcy returning, prohibitory orders and mobile data suspensions are still in effect. A district administration official commented, “People are gradually stepping out of their homes and attempting to return to daily routines. Any relaxation will be announced after assessing ground conditions.”
The violence came in the wake of a 15-day hunger strike led by Karbi activists, who demanded the eviction of alleged illegal settlers from Bihar occupying grazing reserve lands in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong. Tensions escalated sharply after police removed three protesters from the site early Monday morning, citing the need for medical treatment.
More than 70 individuals, including over 60 police personnel, sustained injuries during the clashes. An Army column, typically comprising 60 to 80 soldiers, has been deployed to conduct flag marches aimed at preventing further violence.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma remarked on Wednesday that the demand for immediate eviction could not be fulfilled due to a stay order issued by the Gauhati High Court.
