Kheroni Violence in Assam Eases as Security Forces Flood Area After Arson and Deaths

The situation in Kheroni area of Assam’s Karbi Anglong district has shown signs of improvement after days of intense violence marked by arson, clashes and deaths, following the deployment of heavy security forces to restore order.
According to officials, the violence erupted earlier this week after tensions flared between groups, leading to the burning of houses, shops and vehicles. The unrest claimed several lives and left many injured, triggering panic among residents and forcing some families to flee their homes.
In response, the state government rushed additional contingents of police, Assam Rifles and central armed forces to the affected areas. Flag marches were conducted and vulnerable localities were placed under close surveillance. Senior district and police officials are camping in the area to monitor the situation.
Authorities said curfew-like restrictions and prohibitory orders were imposed in sensitive zones to prevent further flare-ups. With the stepped-up security presence, incidents of fresh violence have stopped, and normalcy is gradually returning, officials added.
Fire tenders and disaster response teams were deployed to douse flames and assess damage caused by arson. Preliminary estimates indicate that several properties were damaged, though a detailed assessment is still underway.
The district administration has appealed to residents to maintain peace and refrain from spreading rumours. Police warned that strict action will be taken against those involved in violence, arson or attempts to incite unrest.
Meanwhile, efforts are being made to initiate dialogue with community leaders to address grievances and prevent a recurrence of violence. The Assam government said it is closely monitoring the situation and will continue security deployment until complete normalcy is restored.
The Kheroni violence has once again highlighted the fragile law-and-order situation in parts of Karbi Anglong, prompting calls for long-term measures to address underlying tensions and ensure lasting peace in the region.