Following a significant escalation of violence in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong that has left two people dead and nearly 50 injured, several Karbi organizations have issued a collective plea for peace. On Tuesday, leaders strongly condemned the wave of arson and clashes, urging all parties to choose democratic dialogue over lawlessness.

Deadly Clashes and Rising Casualties

The situation turned fatal on Tuesday, December 23, during intense clashes in the Kheroni market area. Authorities confirmed the deaths of two individuals:

Suresh Dey (25): A differently-abled youth whose body was recovered from a commercial building that had been set ablaze by rioters.

Athik Timung: A tribal youth who tragically lost his life during the violent confrontation between protesters and security forces.

In addition to the fatalities, at least 45 others were injured, including 38 police personnel. High-ranking officials, including Director General of Police Harmeet Singh and an IGP-level officer, were among those struck by stones and arrows as they attempted to pacify the mobs.

Triggers of the Unrest

The violence was sparked by a long-standing dispute over the eviction of alleged illegal settlers from Professional Grazing Reserves (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserves (VGR)—protected lands under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

The immediate flashpoint occurred following a 15-day hunger strike by Karbi youths. Rumors that the fasting protesters had been arrested—when they had actually been moved to a hospital in Guwahati for medical care—triggered a massive backlash. This led to a rampage where mobs used gas cylinders to incinerate shops, vandalized an ambulance and school bus, and torched the ancestral residence of KAAC Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang in Donkamokam.

Condemnation by Karbi Bodies

During a press conference at Sonapur, representatives from various Karbi bodies, under the banner of the Scheduling Demand Coordination Committee of Karbis (Mikirs), expressed deep pain over the loss of life.

Amar Ronghang, coordinator of the committee and president of the All Assam Karbi Students’ Association, stated:

“While the demand to protect Karbi land and indigenous rights is legitimate and rooted in the Constitution, violence and the destruction of property can never be the solution. Such acts only tarnish the image of our community and push society toward division.”

A Path Toward Resolution

The organizations emphasized that land disputes must be resolved through constitutional and legal means rather than arson. They appealed for communal harmony and expressed hope that the upcoming tripartite talks scheduled by the state government will provide a lasting solution.

In response to the crisis, the state government has suspended mobile internet services in both Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts to curb the spread of further misinformation. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has assured that additional security forces are being deployed to restore normalcy and that the government will support all affected families.

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