Assam violence: Karbi Anglong on the boil; 2 killed, internet suspended

Security personnel look at a damaged bike after a clash between two groups over the issue of eviction at Kheroni in West Karbi Anglong district in Assam on Tuesday. (Image: PTI)

• Two killed and dozens injured in violence in Assam's Karbi Anglong
• Mobile internet suspended in two Assam districts after unrest
• Protestors are demanding eviction of encroachers

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At least two people were killed and dozens injured in fresh violence that erupted in West Karbi Anglong’s Kheroni area in Assam on Tuesday, resulting in mobile internet services being snapped in the two districts of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong.

The violence broke out amid protests against encroachment by alleged outsiders, police officers said, prompting the state government to temporarily suspend internet services in the two districts.

The police resorted to lathi-charge and firing of tear-gas shells to disperse agitators. Section 163 of Bhartiya Nyay Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has also been imposed to maintain public order and peace.

The body of a 25-year-old differently abled man, Suresh Dey, was recovered from a building that was set ablaze by the agitators while another local resident, identified as Chingthi Timung, was killed during the clash that erupted in Kherani area, officers said, according to a report by the Hindustan Times.

Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he was closely monitoring the situation while expressing grief over the deaths in the unrest. “I am closely monitoring the situation in West Karbi Anglong. It is deeply painful that two persons lost their lives during today’s unrest,” Sarma said in a post on X.

He added that additional security forces will be deployed in Kherani area on Wednesday to maintain peace. “We are in constant touch with all concerned to restore normalcy and resolve issues through dialogue. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The government will stand with all affected families and provide all necessary support,” the CM said.

Assam violence

Protesters are demanding the eviction of encroachers, who mostly hail from Bihar, from Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands in the two districts.

The agitators, belonging to several political and social organisations, have been on a hunger strike for the last 15 days.

On Monday, the protestors set ablaze the residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) chief executive member Tuliram Ronghang and around 15 shops in Kheroni Bazaar.

A large number of people whose shops were burnt by a mob on Monday, came out to protest against the violence, despite prohibitory orders. At the same time, protesters demanding eviction of encroachers from the tribal belt also gathered in the Kheroni market area, news agency PTI reported.