Assam's Karbi Anglong Tense but Under Control After Deadly Clashes

Image Source: Internet

Diphu, Assam - Tensions remain high in Karbi Anglong, a central Assam district, after violent clashes between the Karbi and Bihari communities left two dead and dozens injured. The violence, which erupted on Tuesday, was sparked by long-standing disputes over land encroachment in the tribal belts. According to officials, 45 people, including 38 police personnel, were injured in the clashes, with both sides using stones, sticks, rods, and bows and arrows. The situation was further exacerbated when a specially abled youth was burned alive in a shop set ablaze by protesters. The Assam Police DGP, Harmeet Singh, and IG Akhilesh Kumar Singh suffered minor injuries during the stone-pelting. To maintain law and order, five more CRPF companies were deployed in the area, and a joint flag march was conducted in the morning. Despite prohibitory orders, a large number of Bihari people, including women and children, came out on the streets, leading to a clash with agitators. The police tried to pacify both sides, but were pelted with stones, resulting in injuries to several personnel. The situation spiralled out of control, prompting the police to baton-charge and fire tear gas shells to disperse both groups of protesters. In the chaos, one Karbi youth was killed in police firing, and several others were injured. Internet services in both Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts were suspended indefinitely to maintain peace and tranquillity. The administration has promised a tripartite talk between the Karbi agitating organisations, the Assam government, and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council to resolve the issue. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed his deep pain over the deaths and has assured that the government will stand with all affected families and provide necessary support. The DGP has appealed to the public to explain to the 'misguided youth' that violence cannot solve any problem. Prohibitory orders and night curfew have been imposed in Karbi Anglong to maintain order, with restrictions on the movement of people and vehicles in the district from 5 pm to 6 am.