Restoration of Mobile Internet Services in Karbi Anglong Amid Improved Conditions

Mobile internet services have been reinstated in the Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts of Assam after a notable improvement in the law and order situation. Following recent violence, officials reported a gradual return to normalcy, with shops reopening and residents resuming daily activities. Congress leaders visited the families of victims, condemning the state government's handling of the situation. Security measures remain strict, and prohibitory orders are still in effect as authorities work to maintain peace in the region. The unrest was rooted in tensions over land encroachments by migrant communities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 28, 2025, 15:01 IST

Mobile Internet Services Resume in Karbi Anglong

Guwahati/ Diphu, Dec 28: Following a stabilization in the law and order situation, mobile internet services have been reinstated in the violence-affected districts of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong as of Sunday.

Ajay Tewari, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Political Department, announced that the previous suspension of mobile internet services was lifted starting at 8 am on Sunday.

All mobile network providers in these districts have been instructed to resume their services.

The official notification indicated that the law and order conditions had 'improved and normalized,' with no immediate concerns regarding public peace and safety.

An official from Diphu reported that normalcy is gradually returning, with shops reopening and residents venturing out to buy essential goods.

In a related development, Congress leaders, including Bitupon Saikia, secretary of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, and Augustine Inghi, president of the West Karbi Anglong District Congress, visited the homes of victims from the recent violence on Saturday.

They first paid their respects to the family of Suruj Dey, a specially abled individual who was reportedly burned alive during the unrest in Kheroni.

Later, they visited the family of Liunus Phangchu, who succumbed to injuries from police gunfire.

While expressing their condolences, the Congress leaders criticized the BJP-led state government for its alleged negligence and accountability in these tragic events.

On Sunday, security measures remained stringent across both districts, with law enforcement present in the most affected areas.

Officials confirmed that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) are still in effect.

Previously, a tripartite meeting took place on December 26, involving the state government, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), and the protesters. During this meeting, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured the protesters that the government would seek an expedited order from the Gauhati High Court regarding the stay on eviction drives in grazing lands.

Authorities reported that at least 173 security personnel from the Assam Police and the CRPF sustained injuries during the clashes.

The unrest originated from tensions between indigenous Karbi groups and migrant communities, primarily from Bihar, over alleged encroachments on Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands by Hindi-speaking settlers.

An eviction attempt was initiated last year but was halted following a petition to the Gauhati High Court, which issued an interim order to stop the process.