Guwahati, Dec 23: A wave of violence that rocked Kheroni town and adjoining areas of Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district on December 22 was allegedly triggered by rumour and misinformation surrounding hunger-striking protesters, leading to a sudden breakdown of law and order, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
What began as a protest over land-related grievances escalated rapidly after misinformation spread that hunger strikers had been detained and taken to Guwahati. The rumour sparked widespread vandalism across Nepali Basti and nearby localities, with homes damaged, properties set ablaze, vehicles vandalised and residents forced to flee in fear.
Officials and eyewitnesses said the situation deteriorated sharply as agitated protesters went on a rampage, damaging boundary fencing, private houses, shops and vehicles. Among the most disturbing incidents were the vandalisation of a school bus, raising concerns over student safety, and the destruction of an ambulance, disrupting emergency medical services.
Several families reportedly abandoned their homes amid panic. Residents said the violence disproportionately affected ordinary citizens. “They claimed to be protesting land issues, but innocent people lost their livelihoods,” said a local resident, requesting anonymity.
Police have since been deployed across Kheroni and surrounding areas, with security intensified to prevent further escalation. Investigations are underway to identify those involved in the violence and to assess the extent of damage caused.
Responding to the unrest, Sarma said the situation spiralled after hunger-striking protesters were shifted to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for treatment when their health deteriorated. “Unfortunately, rumours spread that they had been detained and taken to Guwahati. This misinformation led to the volatile situation in Karbi Anglong,” he said.
The Chief Minister clarified that no arrests were made and that those taken to GMCH were shifted purely for medical reasons. “They were taken for treatment and will return home,” he said, adding that the rumours had significantly aggravated tensions.
Tensions escalated further later in the day when protesters allegedly set fire to the residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member Dr Tuliram Ronghang at Dongkamokam. The arson attack reportedly occurred amid anger over land encroachment issues involving Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands near Kheroni. While the extent of damage is yet to be officially assessed, no injuries have been confirmed.
Addressing the core issue, Sarma acknowledged that demands for the eviction of non-tribal residents from certain areas of Karbi Anglong have persisted for years. However, he pointed out that the Gauhati High Court has issued an interim order restraining evictions, making any immediate action legally impossible. “We cannot evict anyone at present. We cannot go against a High Court order,” he said, stressing that neither the state government nor the KAAC has the authority to proceed without judicial clearance.
Appealing for calm, the Chief Minister said violence was not a solution and urged dialogue within the constitutional framework. “We can sit together, hold discussions and resolve the issue peacefully. I myself will sit with the protesters and try to find a solution,” he said.
Meanwhile, KAAC CEM Tuliram Ronghang gave a detailed account of events leading to the unrest. He said eviction from PGR and VGR land was initially planned following a Supreme Court direction, but the process was halted after the Gauhati High Court issued an interim stay. After eviction notices were served, affected residents approached the High Court, rendering the matter sub judice.
Ronghang said proceeding with eviction under the current circumstances would amount to contempt of court. He also rejected allegations that hunger strikers were arrested, stating that those who fell ill during the protest were taken to GMCH solely for medical treatment.
According to Ronghang, while he was away attempting to resolve the issue through dialogue, a group of protesters reached his ancestral home in Dongkamokam. “Some people brought petrol and set fire to the house. Stones were also pelted,” he alleged, as authorities continue efforts to restore normalcy in the sensitive hill district.
