Guwahati: Normalcy is gradually returning to violence-affected areas of Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district, with officials reporting no fresh incidents over the past 48 hours, even as authorities continue strict security measures and prepare for a crucial tripartite meeting in Guwahati on December 26.
Officials said prohibitory orders, a night curfew and suspension of mobile internet services remain in force in the affected pockets as a precaution following the unrest that claimed two lives and left several others injured earlier this week. The administration has deployed personnel from the Assam Police, Army, Rapid Action Force and Central Reserve Police Force to maintain law and order and prevent any resurgence of violence.
“The situation is under control and calm at present, but restrictions continue in view of the prevailing sensitivities,” a senior official said.
Kheroni, the worst-hit area, lies in a multi-ethnic zone inhabited by Karbi, Bihari, Bengali and Nepali communities. The district has witnessed long-standing tensions between indigenous Karbi groups and Hindi-speaking settlers over allegations of encroachment on Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands in the tribal region.
Officials said the state government will hold a tripartite meeting in Guwahati on Friday involving representatives of the government, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and protest groups to discuss the situation. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and KAAC chief Tuliram Ronghang are expected to attend the talks.
The violence followed a 15-day hunger strike by Karbi agitators demanding eviction of alleged illegal settlers, most of whom they claim are from Bihar, from grazing reserve lands in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts.
Tensions escalated after police removed three protesters from the hunger strike site in the early hours of Monday, a move officials later said aimed to provide medical treatment.
Kheroni witnessed intense violence on Tuesday, during which police firing killed one person and mobs allegedly burnt another individual alive inside his house. More than 70 people sustained injuries in the clashes, including over 60 police personnel.
Chief Minister Sarma said on Wednesday that the government could not immediately act on the eviction demand as the Gauhati High Court has issued a stay order in the matter.