173 security personnel injured in Assam’s Karbi Anglong violence, two killed

A week of unrest in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts left 173 security personnel injured, according to the Assam Police , as tensions flared over land disputes involving alleged illegal settlers. Two people also lost their lives during the violent clashes earlier this week.

The Assam Police stated that the injured included members of both the Assam Police and the CRPF , with 139 receiving first aid at the site and 33 requiring hospital treatment. The incidents occurred on December 22–23 under Kheroni Police Station in West Karbi Anglong. Despite the violence, authorities said the situation in the districts is gradually returning to normal, with strict security measures , prohibitory orders, and internet suspensions still in effect.

The unrest followed a 15-day hunger strike by members of the Karbi community , demanding the eviction of alleged illegal settlers, primarily from Bihar , from Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands. Tensions escalated after police removed three protestors from the site for hospitalization, which led to violent rampages. On Tuesday, the Kheroni area witnessed severe clashes, with one person killed in police firing and another reportedly burnt alive inside his home.

Attempts to evict the settlers had been previously halted last year following a Gauhati High Court order, which temporarily stayed the eviction process. On Friday, a tripartite meeting involving the state government , the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) , and protest leaders was held. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured that the government would approach the High Court for an early resolution of the stay order regarding grazing lands in both districts.

Authorities continue to maintain a heavy security presence to prevent further escalation while negotiations and legal processes proceed.