Assam violence: Tensions rise in Kokrajhar after mob lynching and arson; internet suspended

Kokrajhar violence

• Mob attack in Kokrajhar kills 2, injures 3 over cattle theft suspicion
• Internet suspended, 19 arrested, security forces deployed to control unrest
• Police urge calm, warn against rumours; situation now under control

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Two people were killed and three others seriously injured after a mob attacked them on suspicion of cattle theft in Assam’s Kokrajhar district on Monday night. The incident has led to tension in the area, after which the authorities suspended internet services on Tuesday and deployed additional security forces to maintain law and order.

Police said the victims were linked to a road construction project and were travelling in a vehicle after inspecting a work site when the attack took place.

What exactly happened on Monday night

According to the police, the incident occurred on the Gouri Nagar–Mashing Road stretch in Kokrajhar. A group of local villagers allegedly tried to stop the vehicle, suspecting that those inside were cattle lifters.

The vehicle then met with an accident. Soon after, a mob attacked the occupants and set the vehicle on fire. Police and fire and emergency services rushed to the spot after receiving information from local residents.

One of the victims, Sikhna Jwhwlao Bismit, also known as Raja, died on the spot. Another victim, Sunil Murmu, later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

Boronda Basumatary, a contractor and the father-in-law of Sikhna Jwhwlao, said he had set up a temporary labour camp north of the incident site. He said he had sent his son-in-law, a JCB driver, and his son to the camp to bring spades in the evening.

He alleged that the vehicle was first chased by a group of youths after false rumours spread that they were cow thieves. Later, another group stopped the vehicle along the national highway and began pelting stones.

Basumatary claimed that in an attempt to escape, the vehicle knocked down two attackers, Sunil Murmu and Mahesh Murmu. However, the vehicle later overturned on the roadside and was attacked with sticks and sharp weapons.

While Sikhna was killed on the spot and Sunil Murmu later died, three others sustained serious injuries. The injured include the JCB driver, Jubiras, and Basumatary’s son, Prabhat. Both allegedly managed to escape despite being critically injured and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Police said the injured are undergoing medical care, though their condition remains serious.

How did the situation worsen after the attack?

The incident led to unrest in parts of Kokrajhar and nearby areas. On Tuesday, locals staged protests outside a police outpost and blocked a key highway, demanding justice and the immediate arrest of those responsible.

A large group of angry residents reportedly surrounded the Karigaon Police Outpost, demanding that the accused be handed over to them. In some areas, houses were set on fire, including a location where suspected criminals were said to gather.

The camps linked to the Adivasi Cobra Militant of Assam (ACMA) and the Birsa Commando Force (BCF) were damaged and burnt. Some houses belonging to Bodos were also allegedly set on fire, NDTV reported.

To control the situation, police fired ten rounds of blank shots in the air.

However, Assam Police said the situation in Karigaon and Kokrajhar is now under control. In a post on X, the police urged people to remain calm and warned against rumours and misinformation. “We urge all sections of society to remain calm and not fall for rumours or misinformation that is being spread by Anti-National elements. These Anti-National elements that are attempting to disturb harmony and create panic are identified and will be dealt with strictly. We remain fully committed to maintaining peace and public safety, for every citizen,” police said in a post on X.

So far, 19 people have been arrested in connection with the incident. Internet services have been suspended in Kokrajhar and neighbouring areas to prevent the spread of rumours and further violence.

This is the second time since December that internet services have been suspended in Assam to maintain law and order. Earlier, similar restrictions were imposed in Karbi Anglong following violent protests against evictions.

Why is the region sensitive?

Kokrajhar and neighbouring Chirang district fall under the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), a Sixth Schedule area that has witnessed ethnic violence and insurgency in the past. However, the region has largely remained calm since the signing of the 2020 Bodo peace accord.

The area also recently saw a political change, with the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) returning to power after unseating the BJP-backed United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL).