Protest in Sonapur Highlights Indigenous Land Rights Concerns in Karbi Anglong

A significant protest in Sonapur saw hundreds rallying for the protection of indigenous land rights in Karbi Anglong. Organized by various Karbi groups, the demonstration highlighted ongoing tensions over grazing reserves and illegal encroachments. Protesters demanded enforcement of constitutional protections and called for urgent government intervention to address their grievances. The event, which remained largely peaceful, reflects the growing concerns among indigenous communities regarding their rights and safety in the face of demographic changes. Support from multiple organizations underscored the collective effort to safeguard tribal interests.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 31, 2025, 12:08 IST

Massive Rally in Sonapur for Indigenous Rights

Jorabat, Dec 31: A significant demonstration took place in Sonapur on Tuesday, where various Karbi and allied organizations gathered to voice their concerns regarding ongoing threats to indigenous land rights in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong. The protest was sparked by escalating tensions over disputes related to grazing reserves and alleged encroachments.

Organized by the Scheduling Demand Coordination Committee of Karbis (Mikirs), hundreds of protesters marched through the main market of Sonapur, chanting slogans like “Our land, our rights,” “Stop the takeover of tribal land,” and “Intimidation of indigenous people will not be tolerated.” They made their way to the Dimoria Co-District Commissioner's office, demanding the protection of Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands while urging authorities to uphold constitutional protections.

Demonstrators expressed that their grievances stem from long-standing issues regarding illegal settlements and encroachments on designated tribal grazing lands, which they believe violate the rights of the indigenous Karbi people as outlined in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

The Sixth Schedule is designed to provide special governance and land protections for tribal communities in Assam's autonomous districts, a safeguard that leaders insist must be rigorously enforced.

Protesters conveyed to reporters that the widespread occupation of PGR and VGR lands, without proper enforcement of constitutional protections, jeopardizes the socio-economic stability and future of indigenous populations. They emphasized that their approach to resolving these issues is through peaceful democratic means.

This protest occurred in the wake of recent violent incidents in West Karbi Anglong, where clashes resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals and numerous injuries, including among security forces. In response, prohibitory orders under Section 163 were enacted, along with a temporary suspension of mobile internet services to maintain public order. Officials later announced the restoration of mobile internet as the situation improved.

Although the demonstration in Sonapur remained largely peaceful, it underscored the growing concerns among indigenous groups regarding demographic changes, land rights, and the speed of administrative responses.

Protesters called on authorities to strictly implement constitutional protections, ensure the safety of all communities, and address the underlying causes of the recent tensions affecting tribal districts.

The rally garnered support from various organizations, including the Karbi Bangthe Asem, Karbi Students’ Union, All Assam Karbi Students’ Association, United Karbi Citizen Council, Amri Karbi Students’ Union, Tea Tribe Land Protection Committee, Tiwa Students’ Union (Kamrup Metropolitan District), and several civic bodies from the Dimoria and Kamrup Metropolitan areas.

The event concluded with a memorandum being submitted to the Chief Minister via the Dimoria Co-District Commissioner, requesting immediate intervention to restore peace, enforce the provisions of the Sixth Schedule, evict illegal encroachers from protected lands, and ensure the safety and dignity of indigenous communities in Karbi Anglong.