Assam Army Deployed Amid Protests in Karbi Anglong Region

The deployment of the Indian Army has been confirmed in the West Karbi Anglong district of Assam, following violent clashes that have erupted over land rights. Assam's Director General of Police, Harmeet Singh, stated that military personnel were called in to restore order as protests entered their third consecutive day.

The unrest began due to allegations of illegal settlement by non-tribal individuals in areas protected by the Constitution for the indigenous Karbi community. Reports indicate that the violent confrontations have resulted in two fatalities and numerous injuries among both protesters and law enforcement officials.

In response to the escalating situation, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the imposition of curfew-like restrictions and the suspension of mobile internet services across two districts. He noted that the demands from the Karbi community to evict the alleged encroachers from grazing lands cannot be immediately addressed due to a stay order from the Gauhati High Court.

The violence reportedly began when long-standing tensions over land rights escalated into serious clashes between tribal protesters and security forces. One tribal protester is reported to have died during police action, while a non-tribal individual was killed in a fire that destroyed several shops in Kheroni, a town that has become a focal point for the unrest.

According to police sources, a total of 48 officers, including senior personnel, sustained injuries as protesters armed with bows, arrows, stones, and crude bombs attacked security forces. The DGP indicated that both he and Inspector General of Police for Law and Order, Akhilesh Kumar Singh, were among the injured.

The protests were sparked by claims from the Karbi community that non-tribal settlers have encroached upon professional grazing reserves and village grazing lands. These areas fall under the jurisdiction of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, which operates under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This legislation aims to safeguard the rights and governance of indigenous communities.

For over a year, residents have been vocal about their concerns regarding the illegal encroachment, asserting that unchecked settlement poses a significant threat to their land rights. The ongoing unrest highlights the complexities surrounding land ownership and tribal rights in Assam, a region marked by diverse ethnic groups and historical grievances.

As the situation develops, authorities are urging calm and are prepared to take legal action against those who perpetrated violence during the protests. Police have indicated that they possess video evidence of the incidents and will pursue accountability for the attacks on security personnel.