Violence in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district has eased after days of tension and bloodshed. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said peace restoration remains the top priority. He clarified that the government cannot remove alleged encroachments from grazing land due to a Gauhati High Court stay.
Sarma said no government can act above the law or court orders. He explained that village grazing reserve and professional grazing reserve lands fall under a judicial halt. Any forced eviction would invite contempt of court. He added that the state has cleared encroachments only after legal approval.
The violence killed two people and injured over 70. More than 60 injured belong to the police force. A Karbi youth died during police firing. A differently abled man died after a fire engulfed his home. Mobs also torched houses and shops, deepening fear.
Police and the Army have deployed across affected areas. Senior officials remain on the ground. Army flag marches aim to reassure residents. Authorities reported calm since Wednesday morning.
The government has started dialogue between Karbi and Bihari communities. Markets have reopened, and movement has resumed. Sarma urged restraint and rejected violence as a solution. He warned of attempts to disrupt peace ahead of elections. Protesters had observed a 15-day hunger strike before clashes erupted.
