At least two people were killed and several others injured after fresh violence erupted in Assam’s hill district of Karbi Anglong, forcing the state administration to suspend mobile internet services and deploy the Indian Army for flag marches to restore order.
The clashes broke out on Monday evening in parts of West Karbi Anglong, particularly around Kheroni, following protests linked to long-standing disputes over land and settlement issues in the Sixth Schedule-protected area. What began as demonstrations soon escalated into violent confrontations, with mobs resorting to stone-pelting, arson, and attacks on security personnel.
According to official sources, one person succumbed to injuries sustained during the clashes, while another was burnt to death after being trapped inside a structure that was set ablaze during the violence. Authorities said the situation deteriorated rapidly, prompting police to use lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The violence also resulted in widespread injuries. At least 45 people were hurt, including 38 police personnel, as security forces used baton-charge and tear gas to disperse mobs. Senior officers were among those injured, with Assam Police DGP Harmeet Singh and the IG (Law & Order) also reporting injuries during stone-pelting, underscoring how intense the clashes became on the ground. Several senior officers were also hurt as stones were hurled at security forces attempting to control the situation. Damaged vehicles, torched structures, and debris-littered roads bore testimony to the intensity of the unrest.
In view of the deteriorating law-and-order situation, the Assam government ordered the suspension of mobile internet and data services in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts. Officials said the decision was taken as a preventive measure to curb the spread of rumours and misinformation that could further inflame tensions.
Security arrangements were significantly tightened, with additional contingents of state police and central forces rushed to the area. The Army conducted flag marches in sensitive localities to reassure residents and deter further violence. Senior civil and police officials remained stationed in the district to oversee ground-level operations.
While the administration has not attributed the violence to any single trigger, officials acknowledged that land-related tensions and eviction concerns have been simmering in the region for some time, occasionally flaring up into protests. The government said efforts were underway to engage with community leaders and restore calm through dialogue.
By Tuesday, authorities reported no major fresh incidents, though the situation remained tense. Prohibitory orders and heavy security presence continued in vulnerable areas, with officials stressing that normalcy would be restored only after a complete assessment of the ground situation. The Assam government said it is closely monitoring developments and warned that strict action would be taken against those involved in violence or attempts to disturb communal harmony in the hill district.
