Assam Government Suspends Internet Amid Ongoing Violence in Karbi Anglong
Internet Services Halted in Karbi Anglong
Guwahati, Dec 23: The Assam administration has temporarily cut off internet access in the districts of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong due to renewed violence stemming from clashes between two factions over eviction matters.
According to an official statement from the Home and Political Department, this measure was implemented to uphold public order and prevent any escalation of the unrest.
At least eight individuals sustained injuries during the confrontations, prompting law enforcement to use batons and tear gas to disperse the crowds.
In light of ongoing violence in Kheroni, West Karbi Anglong, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma remarked that the situation remains precarious, with ongoing tensions between the conflicting groups.
While attending a welfare scheme distribution event in Makum, Tinsukia, Sarma noted that both a cabinet minister and the Director General of Police, Harmeet Singh, were present on-site to evaluate the circumstances.
“The situation is somewhat critical in Karbi Anglong. There is friction between two groups. Our minister and the DGP are on the ground,” he stated.
Addressing the underlying causes of the unrest, the Chief Minister indicated that certain segments of the indigenous Karbi community feel that the non-tribal population in the area has surged significantly.
“They assert that their population constitutes 35% while non-tribals account for 65%. Based on this, they demand the eviction of non-tribals from VGR, PGR, and government lands. This claim warrants scrutiny, as the origin of the ‘35%’ figure is unclear,” Sarma explained.
He emphasized that dialogue is essential for resolving the issue and expressed his commitment to engage with all parties involved.
“Dialogue is the only feasible approach. The methods they are employing will not yield any resolution. In a democratic nation, solutions must be achieved through democratic processes,” he added.
Sarma assured that he is closely monitoring the developments and expressed optimism for a return to normalcy soon.
Earlier, Cabinet Minister Ranoj Pegu, who visited the affected regions, announced that the government plans to hold a tripartite meeting by the end of December, involving the state government, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, and representatives from the protesting groups.
He mentioned that the protesters had agreed to pause their hunger strike following his assurances.
“For now, they have agreed to stop their hunger strike at my request, and I have assured them that the Assam government will arrange a tripartite meeting within December,” Pegu informed the media.
However, violence erupted again shortly after Pegu's departure, as unrest spread to the local market, where furious protesters vandalized shops, broke windows, looted merchandise, and left destruction in their wake.
In the meantime, the opposition has criticized the government for its inability to control the situation in the district. Akhil Gogoi labeled it a governance failure, asserting that the Chief Minister, who often positions himself as a defender of indigenous rights, has failed to engage with the protesters to resolve the crisis.
“I urge the public not to take the law into their own hands, and I call on the administration to seek a peaceful resolution to the matter,” Gogoi stated.
Gaurav Gogoi, president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), also called for restraint, advising the administration to avoid provoking the protesters and to address their concerns through dialogue.
“I urge the government not to incite the protesters. They may have legitimate demands, and it is the responsibility of the ruling government to listen. Patience is essential. We do not want to see reports of injuries, whether among protesters or law enforcement,” he concluded.