Guwahati, Dec 23: Representatives of the Karbi community, who had been on an indefinite hunger strike since December 6 demanding protection of indigenous land rights, called off their protest on Tuesday following assurances from the Assam government, Cabinet Minister Ranoj Pegu said.
Addressing the media, Pegu said the state government initiated talks with the hunger strikers after reports emerged about their deteriorating health. During the engagement, the protesters were urged to withdraw the strike in the interest of their well-being, following which they agreed to end the agitation.
“The concerns raised by the Karbi community, particularly those related to land rights and the protection of indigenous interests, are serious and deserve careful and responsible consideration,” Pegu said. He added that the government has assured the community their issues would be addressed strictly within the constitutional framework.
The minister clarified that land administration in Karbi Anglong falls under the jurisdiction of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) as per constitutional provisions. While land revenue and related matters are handled by the council, the state government does not exercise direct administrative control over land governance in Sixth Schedule areas.
Pegu, however, acknowledged that disputes and confusion have arisen in recent years over land parcels that are not officially notified as Professional Grazing Reserves (PGR) or Village Grazing Reserves (VGR). He said such ambiguities have broader implications linked to the idea of Greater Karbi Anglong and the preservation of Karbi identity.
“In view of the evolving situation, I requested the Assam government to urgently convene a meeting with the protesters. Following this request, the hunger strike was called off,” he said.
He further stated that a formal meeting involving all stakeholders would be held soon to deliberate on the demands raised by the Karbi community and to explore a permanent, lawful and just resolution to the land-related issues.
Despite the withdrawal of the hunger strike, Karbi Anglong witnessed a fresh spell of unrest on Tuesday morning, even as prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remained in force. Official sources said thousands of people allegedly took to the streets in defiance of the restrictions, heightening tensions across several areas. During the unrest, multiple motorcycles were reportedly set on fire, triggering panic among local residents.
Assam Director General of Police Harmit Singh, along with senior police officials, arrived in Karbi Anglong late at night to assess the situation and coordinate measures to restore order.
Security forces have intensified patrolling in sensitive areas, while authorities have appealed to the public to maintain calm and refrain from spreading rumours. The situation remains tense but under close watch as efforts continue to stabilise the region.
