Assam: Army Flag March in West Karbi Anglong After Violence
Army flag march and heavy security deployment follow violent clashes over land eviction demands in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts of Assam.
GUWAHATI- Fresh violence in Assam’s Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts over tribal land rights and eviction demands has left at least two people dead and more than 70 injured, including over 60 police personnel, prompting the deployment of Army units and the imposition of curfew and internet restrictions.
On Wednesday, the Army conducted a flag march in violence-hit areas of West Karbi Anglong to help restore law and order. Director General of Police Harmeet Singh said the situation was now “totally under control” following coordinated action by the police, civil administration and central forces.
“Army columns have reached here and marched through these areas. I have personally covered the entire zone,” Singh told reporters, adding that senior officers have been monitoring the situation on the ground since Monday night.
Also Read- Karbi Anglong Violence Leaves Two Dead, Dozens Injured
The unrest, which entered its third day, stems from long-standing demands by sections of the Karbi community for the eviction of alleged illegal settlers from Village Grazing Reserves (VGRs) and Professional Grazing Reserves (PGRs). These lands enjoy special protection under the Sixth Schedule provisions applicable to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).
Violence first erupted on December 22, 2025, when protesters allegedly set fire to the ancestral home of KAAC Chief Executive Member and BJP leader Tuliram Ronghang in Dongkamukam. Shops, markets and vehicles were also torched in Kheroni and nearby areas.
The agitation was linked to a 15-day hunger strike by protesters at Phelangpi in West Karbi Anglong. Tensions escalated after police removed three hunger strikers early Monday, reportedly for hospitalisation. Soon after, mobs allegedly went on a rampage, attacking markets and government installations.
On December 23, clashes broke out between protestors and security forces, as well as between rival groups. Police said mobs resorted to stone-pelting, arrows, crude bombs and arson, forcing security forces to respond with lathi charges, tear gas and, in some instances, blank firing.
According to officials, one tribal protester died from injuries sustained during clashes with police, while a differently-abled non-tribal individual was killed in a fire that engulfed shops in Kheroni market. More than 70 people were injured, including over 60 police personnel.
“The mob committed vandalism, attacked officials, and set fire to markets. Tragically, a differently-abled person died in the blaze. Cylinders from a nearby gas agency were inflamed by the crowd,” the DGP said.
In response, the Assam government imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), banning public gatherings, rallies and torch processions, and restricting movement during night hours. Mobile internet and data services were temporarily suspended in both districts to prevent the spread of rumours, while additional forces, including CRPF units, were deployed.
Singh said police are examining video footage to identify those involved in violence and assured that legal action would follow based on evidence. He appealed to community elders and parents to counsel youths against violence, stressing that dialogue remained the only viable solution.
The Assam government has also agreed to hold a tripartite meeting involving the state administration, KAAC representatives and protestors to address grievances related to land rights and eviction demands. Senior minister Ranoj Pegu has already visited the area to engage with stakeholders.
As of early December 24, no major fresh incidents of violence had been reported, though the situation remains tense with heavy security deployment and curfew measures in place. Authorities have appealed for calm as efforts continue to prevent further escalation.
