Tensions Rise in Karbi Anglong Amid Protests and Violence
Protests Escalate in Karbi Anglong
Guwahati, Dec 22: Tuliram Ronghang, the chief of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), addressed the media on Monday, stating that the unrest in West Karbi Anglong stems from a "misunderstanding" and expressed hope that dialogue could resolve the issues.
Ronghang spoke to reporters after his former residence in Dongkamokam was reportedly set ablaze by protesters. He was en route to engage with the demonstrators when he learned of the incident.
“The police had taken some protesters to Gauhati Medical College for medical assistance, but this was misinterpreted as an arrest, leading to the outbreak of violence. A group of youth subsequently targeted my home,” he explained.
At the time of the attack, Ronghang was in Koka village, intending to meet with the protesters at around 4 PM.
“Approximately 200 individuals from surrounding villages arrived armed with stones and petrol. I was informed of the situation while traveling here. I remain convinced that these misunderstandings can be addressed through conversation, and I have urged the protesters to engage in dialogue,” he added.
In response to the unrest, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma indicated that senior officials are closely monitoring the developments.
“The Director General of Police is present, and Education Minister Ranoj Pegu is on his way to the site. I am also keeping a vigilant eye on the situation. I believe that dialogue can lead to a resolution,” Sarma stated.
Addressing the protesters' demands for eviction, the Chief Minister noted that legal restrictions are complicating the situation.
“A High Court ruling has prevented us from conducting eviction operations in the affected area. However, I am optimistic that we can resolve this matter peacefully,” he remarked.
The protests are primarily focused on calls for the removal of non-tribals from Professional Grazing Reserves (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserves (VGR) in the Kheroni region.
Earlier, police opened fire to disperse demonstrators, resulting in injuries to at least three individuals as tensions escalated following the arson attack on the Chief Executive Member’s residence.
Authorities resorted to police action, including gunfire, in an effort to restore order.
An injured police official justified the response, stating that the situation had spiraled out of control. “It was a strike. The stone-pelting was unwarranted,” the official noted, suggesting that police had no choice but to intervene as protesters turned violent.
Due to the worsening law-and-order situation, prohibitory measures have been enacted across the district under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The issue of encroachment on these protected reserves has been a longstanding and sensitive topic in the area.
Earlier in the day, police forcibly removed protesters who were on a hunger strike, a move that seemed to escalate tensions further.
Following this intervention, demonstrators blocked roads and chanted slogans demanding the immediate release of those who had been detained.