Violence Erupts in Assam Amid Protests Over Land Rights

Protests in Assam's West Karbi Anglong district escalated into violence, resulting in police firing on demonstrators after an arson attack on a local leader's residence. At least three individuals were injured during the incident, which stemmed from tensions surrounding land rights and the eviction of non-tribals from protected grazing reserves. The unrest intensified following police actions against a hunger strike, leading to road blockades and demands for the release of detained protesters. The situation remains tense as security forces maintain a strong presence in the area.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 22, 2025, 19:12 IST

Protests Turn Violent in West Karbi Anglong

Diphu, Dec 22: Protests in Assam's West Karbi Anglong district escalated into violence on Monday, prompting police to fire upon demonstrators following an arson incident targeting the home of the chief of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).

Reports indicate that at least three individuals sustained injuries from the gunfire and were promptly taken to a medical facility for treatment.

The unrest intensified after protesters allegedly set ablaze the residence of CEM Tuliram Ronghang in Dongkamokam, leading to a critical law-and-order crisis in the area.

In response, law enforcement resorted to gunfire as they sought to regain control of the situation.

One protester questioned, “Who authorized the shooting? The CEM must be held accountable. We heard gunshots, and now three people are in the hospital.”

Conversely, an injured official justified the police's actions, stating that the circumstances had spiraled out of control.

“It was a strike. The stone-pelting was unwarranted,” the official remarked, suggesting that police intervention was necessary due to the violent actions of the protesters.

The unrest reportedly originated from police actions against a hunger strike advocating for the removal of non-tribals from Professional Grazing Reserves (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserves (VGR) in Kheroni.

This issue of alleged encroachment on these protected lands has been a longstanding and sensitive topic in the region.

Earlier that day, police forcibly removed protesters who had been engaged in an indefinite hunger strike, which seemed to exacerbate tensions among the crowd.

Following this intervention, demonstrators obstructed roads and chanted slogans demanding the immediate release of those who had been detained.

As of now, authorities have not released an official statement regarding the gunfire or whether any arrests have been made related to the arson incident.

On Sunday night, police had detained nine protesters who had been on a hunger strike for 16 days at Fealgpi in the Kheroni area.

The atmosphere in parts of West Karbi Anglong remained charged on Monday evening, with security forces maintaining an increased presence to avert further violence.