Assam Brings in Curfew as Tensions Rise Over Protected Grazing Land Dispute
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SILCHAR: Tensions in Assam's Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts escalated on Monday as protesters, demanding the eviction of alleged encroachers from protected grazing land, clashed with security forces and attacked the ancestral home of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) chief Tuliram Ronghang. The clashes left at least four people injured, including three protesters and a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan. Several houses, shops, and public properties were damaged or set on fire in the Kheroni and surrounding areas. The unrest began after authorities arrested nine protesters, including a youth leader, from an indefinite hunger strike site in Kheroni. The protesters were demanding the eviction of alleged illegal settlers from Village Grazing Reserves (VGRs) and Professional Grazing Reserves (PGRs). The agitation centers on the alleged encroachment of nearly 7,184.7 acres of protected grazing land in Karbi Anglong. Protesters argue that outsiders have encroached upon large tracts of land in violation of the Sixth Schedule provisions, which prohibit land ownership by non-protected communities. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the administration cannot carry out an eviction when there is a court order in place. He also stated that the government remains open to talks and will raise the matter with higher authorities. Following the violence, the district administrations of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong imposed prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. The orders restrict the assembly of five or more persons, rallies, processions, and public meetings, and prohibit inflammatory speeches and the use of loudspeakers without permission. Assam Director General of Police (DGP) Harmeet Singh has reached Karbi Anglong, and Education Minister Ranoj Pegu is scheduled to visit the district to engage with protesters. The government has also shifted protesters on hunger strike to the hospital due to deteriorating health conditions.
