Fresh unrest has erupted in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, turning a local protest into a deadly episode of violence. The Assam Karbi Anglong violence claimed the lives of two people on Tuesday, while at least 45 others, including 38 police personnel, were injured. The situation deteriorated rapidly as demonstrations demanding the removal of alleged encroachments from tribal land spiraled into arson, vandalism, and clashes with security forces.
According to officials, protestors set fire to shops, torched vehicles, and even burned down the residence of the Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. One of the deceased, a 25-year-old differently-abled man named Suresh Dey, was found dead inside a building that had been set ablaze. Another individual, Athik Timung, died during violent clashes.
To control the situation, authorities imposed curfew-like restrictions and suspended internet services in affected areas. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he is closely monitoring the situation and assured that additional security forces would be deployed to restore peace. The Director General of Police confirmed that despite assurances of peaceful protest, mobs resorted to stone-pelting, bomb throwing, and arson.
Officials stated that dialogue with stakeholders is ongoing, but tensions remain high as both protestors and affected shop owners continue to demonstrate, highlighting the fragile law-and-order situation in the region.
