Guwahati: The law-and-order situation in western Assam’s Kokrajhar district remained tense on Tuesday following fresh clashes between Bodo and Adivasi communities, prompting the state government to suspend mobile internet services across the district to prevent further escalation.
Officials said the suspension was imposed to curb the spread of rumours, inflammatory content, and misinformation on social media that could aggravate tensions.
The shutdown applies to mobile data services of all telecom operators with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders.
The Asasm government clarified that voice calls and fixed-line broadband services will continue to function to ensure essential communication remains unaffected.
The order was issued by Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Tewari of the Home and Political Department under provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act and related emergency rules. Authorities warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found violating the order.
The violence erupted following an incident late Monday night (January 19), when a Scorpio vehicle carrying three Bodo youths allegedly hit two Adivasi persons on Mansingh Road near the Karigaon outpost under Kokrajhar police station.
According to officials, the incident triggered retaliation by local villagers, during which the vehicle was set ablaze and the occupants were allegedly assaulted. One person was killed in the incident.
Tensions escalated rapidly on Tuesday as members of both communities blocked the National Highway near Karigaon, burned tyres, set fire to several houses and a government office, and allegedly attacked the Karigaon police outpost.
As protests turned violent, stone-pelting mobs clashed with security forces, forcing police to resort to lathi-charge, tear gas shelling, and firing to disperse the crowd. The unrest brought normal life to a standstill and triggered panic among residents.
With the situation worsening, the administration deployed additional police forces and rushed two companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) to the area to restore law and order and prevent further escalation.
Director General of Police (DGP) Harmeet Singh, along with other senior police officials, has reached Kokrajhar to oversee security operations.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that arrangements are in place to deploy the Army if required, while the RAF is already on the ground.
He confirmed that mobile internet services have also been suspended in neighbouring Chirang district as a precautionary measure.
Appealing for calm, the Chief Minister urged people to maintain peace and cooperate with the administration to ensure that normalcy returns at the earliest.
Police said 19 people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence. Meanwhile, protesters from the Bodo community have reportedly raised demands for the eviction of Adivasi residents living in forest villages in parts of the district.