Protests connected to an eviction drive in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district took a violent turn Monday, with demonstrators setting ablaze and throwing stones at the ancestral home of Tuliram Ronghang -- the chief executive member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and BJP leader -- at Dongkamukam.
Police action aimed at dispersing the crowd left at least three people injured, officials told The Indian Express. Authorities rushed additional CRPF and police commando units to the area, besides imposing prohibitory orders.
Section 163 imposed in West Karbi
Section 163 of Bhartiya Nyay Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has been imposed in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district to maintain public order and peace. Prohibitory order issued by Karbi Anglong district magistrate Nirola Phangchopi enforced 163 of the BNSS from December 22, 2025, until further notice. The measure aims to prevent "anti-social elements" from causing ethnic or communal disturbances and to protect public life and property.
A gathering of five or more people is strictly prohibited, and there is a total restriction on the movement of people and private vehicles from 5 pm to 6 am. The order also prohibits rallies, picketing, "mashal" (torch) processions, or dharnas in public places. Carrying firearms or setting off firecrackers is not permitted.
Police, military personnel and officials on duty are exempt from movement restrictions, while individuals facing medical emergencies are allowed to move. Educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities conducting examinations, as well as government and private offices, will continue to function as usual.
Akhilesh Kumar Singh, IGP (Law & Order), told ANI, "We are mobilising extra forces to bring the situation to normalcy. The mob also set ablaze the residence of the CEM of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. Some security personnel got minor injuries, and we are collecting the data."
The situation reportedly turned violent on Monday morning following the detention of a few protesters by police, after which locals blocked roads and marched towards Dongkamukam, setting ablaze the ancestral home of Tuliram Ronghang.
Meanwhile, another mob vandalised several homes, a school bus, and other properties in a nearby basti area.
The protest stems from a long-standing demand to evict settlers from Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands, with the KAAC issuing eviction notices in February 2024. However, a petition in the Gauhati High Court has stalled the process, citing concerns about contempt of court.
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