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Two Killed, Dozens Injured as Violence Erupts in West Karbi Anglong Over Land Eviction Demands

By AT News |

Tension gripped West Karbi Anglong district for a second consecutive day on Tuesday as clashes between protesters and security forces in Kheroni area left two people dead and over 45 injured, including 38 police personnel.

The deceased have been identified as a differently-abled youth from the Karbi community, who succumbed during police action to disperse agitators, and another individual who died in arson attacks on shops in Kheroni market. Reports indicate the violence involved stone-pelting, use of crude bombs, arrows, and bows by mobs, prompting police to resort to lathi-charge, tear gas, and blank firing.

The unrest stems from long-standing demands by Karbi organisations for the eviction of alleged illegal settlers from Village Grazing Reserves (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserves (PGR) – protected tribal lands under the Sixth Schedule. Protests intensified after a hunger strike that began on December 6, with misinformation about the "arrest" of fasting protesters reportedly triggering Monday's violence, including the torching of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang's ancestral home in Dongkamukam.

On Tuesday, despite assurances from Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, who persuaded agitators to call off their hunger strike and agree to tripartite talks, fresh clashes erupted in Kheroni market. Shops were vandalised and set ablaze, vehicles torched, and police personnel, including senior officers like DGP Harmeet Singh, sustained injuries.

In response, mobile internet services were suspended across Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts to curb misinformation. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS remain in force, with additional security forces deployed.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep grief over the "painful" deaths, stating he is closely monitoring the situation. "We stand with the affected families and will provide all assistance. Additional forces will reach Kheroni tomorrow to restore peace," he said, while appealing for calm and dialogue.Minister Pegu announced that tripartite discussions involving the state government, KAAC, and protesting groups will be held soon, with the CM likely chairing the meeting.

As of Wednesday morning, no fresh incidents of violence have been reported, but the area remains tense with heavy security presence.

 

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