Calm Returns to West Karbi Anglong After Violent Unrest

The situation in West Karbi Anglong is showing signs of stabilization following violent protests that resulted in two fatalities. Authorities, including the Indian Army and Assam Police, have been deployed to maintain order. While residents report calmer conditions, daily life remains disrupted with shops and schools closed, and internet services suspended. Protests continue as community members demand justice for the deceased. The Director General of Police has emphasized the need for peace and dialogue, urging community leaders to guide the youth involved. A tripartite meeting is scheduled to address grievances, with the Chief Minister set to lead discussions soon.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 24, 2025, 15:45 IST

Situation Stabilizes in West Karbi Anglong

Karbi Anglong, Dec 24: On Wednesday, the atmosphere in West Karbi Anglong began to show signs of improvement following a day of violent protests that resulted in two fatalities. Central forces, the Indian Army, and additional battalions of Assam Police have been deployed to sensitive regions to maintain order.

Local residents reported a calmer environment compared to the previous day, although daily activities remained significantly disrupted. Shops and schools continued to be closed, and internet services were still suspended in both Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts.

A resident noted that while conditions had improved, normal life was still affected. “The situation is better now. However, all shops and schools remain closed,” he shared with the media.

Protests have emerged in response to the deaths that occurred on Tuesday evening, identified as Suraj Dey, a 25-year-old man with disabilities, and Athi Timung, a local Karbi individual.

Dey’s body was reportedly found in a building that had been set ablaze during the unrest, while Timung was shot during police action.

Demonstrations were organized by the Bengali Juba Chattra Parishad in the district, calling for justice for Dey.

The organization urged the Karbi community to remain peaceful and called on authorities to take decisive action against those responsible for the violence. “We urge our Karbi brothers not to indulge in violence and to maintain peace. We also want the administration to bring the culprits to book,” stated a member.

Earlier on Tuesday, Assam's Director General of Police, Harmeet Singh, indicated that misinformation had fueled the unrest, while police maintained maximum restraint despite facing repeated assaults.

Singh mentioned that crowds began gathering on December 22, and he personally engaged with protesters throughout the night without security. He noted that protesters had attempted to occupy the Kopili Bridge on December 22 but dispersed after discussions with officials. However, violence reignited on the evening of December 23 when another attempt was made to take control of the bridge.

“When police tried to disperse them, they were attacked with crude bombs and stones. I was personally assaulted with bows and arrows and struck by stones,” Singh recounted.

At least 48 police officers, including two IPS officials, sustained injuries during the confrontations. Singh reported that shops were set on fire and vandalized even before the assaults on law enforcement began.

He also warned that cylinders filled with flammable materials had been hidden in various locations, with one such cylinder thrown at security personnel.

“We have video evidence and will pursue legal action against those involved,” the DGP affirmed, emphasizing that violence is not a solution.

Singh called for calm and urged community leaders to guide the youth involved, cautioning that they might have been misled or exploited. He stated that the government is open to dialogue and has scheduled a tripartite meeting to address the grievances.

Previously, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, who visited the area on Monday, announced that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma would lead the proposed discussions on December 26, 2025.