Assam Unrest: Two Killed, Dozens Injured as Protests Escalate Over Land Dispute
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Silchar, Assam: A wave of violence swept through Assam's West Karbi Anglong district on Tuesday, leaving two people dead and dozens injured, including 38 police personnel. The unrest was sparked by protests against alleged encroachment of land by outsiders, prompting the state government to temporarily suspend internet services in the districts. A 25-year-old man, Suresh Dey, was found dead in a building that was set ablaze by protesters, while another local resident, Chingthi Timung, was killed in a clash that erupted in the Kherani area. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that additional security forces will be deployed in the area to maintain peace. He also appealed to the protesters to engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve their grievances. The protests were triggered by a demand for the eviction of alleged illegal settlers from land in the Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) areas. The situation escalated after a mob torched the ancestral residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) chief executive member Tuliram Ronghang. Director General of Police (DGP) Harmeet Singh said that he had held talks with the protesters, who had promised to refrain from violence. However, the situation deteriorated, and the police were forced to carry out baton charges and controlled firing to disperse the crowd. The government has suspended mobile internet services in the two districts to prevent further escalation of the situation. The DGP appealed to the public to persuade the protesters to follow legal routes and engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve their grievances. Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu visited the affected area and interacted with local residents to take stock of the situation. The government has assured that it will provide necessary support to the affected families and work towards restoring normalcy in the area.
