Tension gripped Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district after protests over alleged encroachment on grazing land turned violent, prompting the state administration to impose Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyay Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to restore law and order. The situation escalated on Monday when a mob torched the ancestral house of the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang, officials said.
According to the police, the unrest began as demonstrations intensified over long-pending demands for eviction of alleged illegal settlers from Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands. Protesters reportedly clashed with security personnel, resorted to stone-pelting, and set fire to property at multiple locations, particularly in the Dongkamukam area.
As violence spread, authorities invoked Section 163, a prohibitory order that restricts the assembly of five or more people, bans rallies and processions, and empowers the administration to curb activities deemed a threat to public peace. Additional security forces were deployed, and vehicular movement was restricted in sensitive areas.
Police sources confirmed that several protesters and security personnel were injured during the clashes. Fire services were pressed into action to douse flames at the KAAC chief’s residence, while an investigation has been launched to identify those involved in arson and vandalism.
Senior state officials, including top civil and police officers, rushed to West Karbi Anglong to take stock of the situation. The Assam government said it is monitoring developments closely and appealed to residents to maintain calm, assuring that grievances related to land issues would be addressed through lawful means.
The protest reflects deeper anxieties among local tribal communities over land rights and the protection of constitutionally safeguarded areas in Karbi Anglong. While the administration has reiterated its commitment to protecting grazing reserves, it warned that any attempt to disrupt public order would be dealt with firmly.
Authorities said the prohibitory orders would remain in force until normalcy is fully restored.
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