Two people have tragically lost their lives in escalating violence in the Karbi Anglong Autonomous District of Assam, located in India’s north-eastern region. In response to the unrest, authorities have imposed a night-time curfew and suspended mobile internet services to prevent further escalation.
The conflict, which erupted earlier this week, stems from tensions between tribal and non-tribal communities. According to local sources, a long-standing dispute over land and cultural dominance has intensified. On Monday, 22 December, protesters set fire to the ancestral home of Tuliram Ronghang, the Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and a prominent BJP leader.
The situation worsened on Tuesday, 23 December, when violence spread to Kheroni Market. Dozens of shops and residential homes were set ablaze, and several vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, were destroyed. Despite the curfew, clashes continued intermittently throughout the day.
The unrest traces back to 6 December, when tribal groups began a hunger strike, demanding the eviction of non-tribal residents, including Hindi, Bengali, and Nepali-speaking communities, from tribal-dominated areas. Police intervened on Monday to transport the leaders of the hunger strike to Guwahati for medical attention.
Assam Police Director General, Hemant Singh, told ANI news agency, “The leader of the hunger strike was taken to Guwahati on medical advice, as his health was deteriorating. Following this, misinformation spread claiming he had been arrested, which further inflamed the situation.”
Singh added that protesters attempted to seize a bridge, and when police resisted, they resorted to hurling bombs and shooting arrows at officers, escalating the violence further.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Incident | Location | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Dec | Hunger strike begins | Tribal areas, Karbi Anglong | Protest over non-tribal settlement |
| 22 Dec | Ancestral home set ablaze | Tuliram Ronghang’s residence | Property destroyed, violence escalates |
| 23 Dec | Market and homes torched | Kheroni Market | Multiple structures destroyed, vehicles burned |
| 23 Dec | Police intervention | Various locations | Clashes continue despite curfew |
| 23 Dec | Curfew & internet suspension | Entire district | Attempt to restore law and order |
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging communities to maintain peace. Emergency services have been deployed to provide relief to affected families, while police patrols remain active to prevent further outbreaks of violence.
The Karbi Anglong district, historically prone to ethnic tensions, is now under high alert as officials work to de-escalate the situation and restore normalcy.