Opposition Parties in Assam to Demand Justice for Violence Victims
Opposition's Memorandum Submission to Governor
Guwahati, Dec 31: A coalition of opposition parties in Assam plans to present a memorandum to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Wednesday evening, following a recent inquiry into the violence that erupted in the West Karbi Anglong district.
Debabrata Saikia, the Leader of the Opposition, has requested a meeting with the Governor at 4 PM to deliver the memorandum, which will advocate for appropriate compensation for the families of those who lost their lives in the unrest.
The opposition is also pressing for support and relief for those injured and affected by the disturbances.
“We will demand compensation in accordance with regulations for the families of the deceased and injured. Additionally, we seek an investigation into the damages caused by the violent events and assistance for those impacted,” Saikia stated on Tuesday.
This initiative follows a visit by a united delegation from various opposition parties, including Congress, CPI(M), Raijor Dal, and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), to Kheroni in West Karbi Anglong, where they interacted with the families of the victims and evaluated the situation firsthand.
After their visit, the opposition accused the ruling government of orchestrating the violence, alleging a political conspiracy aimed at creating divisions between different communities and tribes for electoral advantage.
Saikia further claimed that rampant corruption and mismanagement under the leadership of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang have led to a chaotic environment in the district.
He emphasized the need for a thorough examination of the PGR–VGR land issue during eviction operations and called for an investigation into the arson at Ronghang’s residence and the subsequent demolition of the property by his family members.
The violence in Karbi Anglong began on December 24, triggered by clashes between two groups of protesters, which led security forces to use lathicharge and tear gas. The unrest resulted in two fatalities and approximately 173 injuries among security personnel.
The protests reportedly stemmed from police actions against a hunger strike that demanded the eviction of non-tribals from PGR and VGR land in Kheroni.
As tensions escalated, demonstrators set fire to the old residence of KAAC chief Ronghang in Dongkamokam.
In response to the clashes, the KAAC, after discussions with representatives from the protesting groups, announced plans to evict all encroachments on PGR and VGR land in the twin districts within the next 15 days.
CEM Ronghang indicated that eviction notices would be distributed starting Tuesday, with 339 families receiving temporary relief due to a stay order from the Gauhati High Court.