Guwahati: Members of the Karbi community on hunger strike at Kheroni Phelangpi called off their fast-unto-death after Assam Cabinet Minister Ranoj Pegu personally intervened, paving the way for a crucial tripartite dialogue on alleged land encroachments in the Kheroni PGR and VGR areas.
“The agitators have agreed to withdraw their hunger strike and participate in a tripartite discussion involving the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and the Government of Assam,” Minister Pegu said.
However, tensions escalated again in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district on December 23 afternoon after fresh violence erupted in Kheroni, where protesters allegedly set fire to several shops and establishments belonging to non-tribal residents near Zero Point.
Pegu said he met the protesting community members, who were demanding eviction of alleged encroachers, protection of tribal land rights and resolution of long-pending issues. Following his appeal, they agreed to end the agitation in the interest of dialogue and democratic resolution.
In a major development, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will chair a high-level meeting on December 26, 2025, underscoring the state government’s seriousness in addressing the sensitive issue of land encroachment in Sixth Schedule areas.
The protest had triggered widespread concern, with community groups warning that unchecked encroachment on protected grazing reserve (PGR) and village grazing reserve (VGR) lands could endanger indigenous livelihoods and ecological balance, apart from creating law-and-order tensions.
Officials said the upcoming talks are expected to focus on verification of encroachments, legal safeguards, rehabilitation mechanisms and a clear implementation roadmap in coordination with KAAC.
Local organisations have welcomed the decision to move towards dialogue and expressed cautious optimism that the December 26 talks will deliver concrete outcomes rather than assurances.
With the hunger strike withdrawn and negotiations scheduled at the highest level, all eyes are now on the Chief Minister–led discussion, which could play a decisive role in resolving one of Karbi Anglong’s most contentious land disputes.