Police on December 23 said there were no reports of fresh violence in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, a day after protests over alleged encroachment escalated into arson and clashes with security forces.
Authorities said prohibitory orders continued to remain in force in Karbi Anglong and neighbouring West Karbi Anglong district, while a night curfew from 5 pm to 6 am was still being enforced across Karbi Anglong to prevent further unrest. Movement of individuals, groups and private vehicles remained restricted during curfew hours.
A senior police officer said the situation had been calm since Monday night, with no new incidents reported from any part of the district.
Violence erupted on Monday in the Kheroni area after protesters demanding the eviction of alleged encroachers from Professional Grazing Reserve and Village Grazing Reserve land turned violent. The protesters allegedly set fire to the residence of the Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and around 15 shops in Kheroni Bazaar. Four people were injured when police opened fire to control the mob, officials said.
Senior Assam minister Ranoj Pegu visited Kheroni late on Monday to assess the situation, while Director General of Police Harmeet Singh also toured the affected areas. Pegu said additional security forces had been deployed from neighbouring districts and maintained that the situation was under control.
The minister said public anger stemmed from allegations of encroachment on protected grazing land and noted that an earlier eviction drive had been halted following an interim order by the Gauhati High Court. He said the issue could only be resolved through dialogue and that talks were being held with both the protesters and those accused of encroachment.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said rumours had played a significant role in fuelling tensions, particularly claims that three hunger-striking protesters had been arrested. He clarified that the three were taken to Guwahati for medical treatment after their health deteriorated and that no arrests had been made.
The protesters, drawn from several political and social organisations, have been on a hunger strike for the past 12 days, demanding the eviction of alleged illegal settlers. Police said clashes broke out after attempts were made to disperse the protesters in the Kheroni area.
Later on Monday, another group allegedly set fire to the old residence of the autonomous council chief in Donkamokam. Security forces opened fire to control the situation, leaving three protesters and a policeman injured, officials said.
