GUWAHATI, Dec 23: The Assam government on Tuesday temporarily suspended internet services in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts following fresh violence linked to eviction-related disputes, as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the situation as “critical” with tensions continuing between rival groups.
According to an official order issued by the Home and Political Department, internet services were suspended in the interest of maintaining public peace and tranquillity and to prevent further escalation of the situation. At least eight people were injured during clashes between two groups, forcing police to resort to lathi charge and tear gas shelling to disperse protesters.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a welfare scheme distribution programme in Makum, Tinsukia, the Chief Minister said a Cabinet minister and Director General of Police Harmeet Singh were on the ground monitoring the situation. “There is tension between two groups. Our minister is there and so is the DGP,” Sarma said, adding that the government was keeping a close watch on developments.
Explaining the roots of the unrest, Sarma said sections of the indigenous Karbi population believe that non-tribals now form a majority in the area and are demanding eviction of non-tribals from village grazing reserves (VGR), professional grazing reserves (PGR) and government land. He questioned the basis of such claims and stressed that the issue could only be resolved through dialogue. “You cannot thrash people to evict them. In a democratic country, solutions must be found through democratic means,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Cabinet Minister Ranoj Pegu visited the affected areas and announced that the government would convene a tripartite meeting within December involving the state government, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and representatives of the protesters. He said the protesters had temporarily suspended their hunger strike following his assurance.
However, violence reportedly continued after the minister’s departure, with unrest spreading to Kheroni bazaar in West Karbi Anglong. Protesters allegedly vandalised shops, smashed windowpanes and looted goods, leaving the market area damaged.
The Opposition targeted the BJP-led government over the handling of the situation. Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi termed the unrest a failure of governance and accused the Chief Minister of failing to engage meaningfully with protesters. Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi also urged restraint, calling on the administration to avoid provocation and resolve the issue through dialogue to prevent further injuries and violence.
