Assam: Normalcy Returns to Kokrajhar; Internet Services Restored, Police Maintain Vigil

Normalcy has largely returned to Assam’s Kokrajhar district following recent unrest, prompting the district administration to restore internet services.

The police said the law-and-order situation is under control, while security forces continue intensive patrolling across sensitive areas.

The Assam Police have stated that strict vigilance is being maintained, particularly on social media platforms, and appealed to the public to act responsibly.

“We urge people not to spread misinformation, provocative content or instigating comments on social media. Any attempt to disturb public peace will invite strict legal action,” police officials said.

Police Appeal for Responsible Use of Social Media

Speaking to the media, Additional Superintendent of Police (Headquarters), Nabanita Sarma, said internet services were resumed following repeated requests from local residents.

“After persistent appeals from the people of Kokrajhar, internet services in the district have been resumed from today. The district administration and police have clearly urged citizens not to misuse these services,” Sarma said.

She added that although peace has returned, security agencies remain on high alert.

“We are maintaining a strong vigil across all areas. I appeal to everyone not to post anything provocative or instigative on social media that could disrupt normalcy. People who had taken shelter in relief camps have started returning home, and more families are expected to return today,” she said.

Warning of strict action, Sarma added:

“We are closely monitoring social media. Strong action will be taken against anyone found spreading communal hatred or posting inflammatory content. Adequate forces are deployed, patrolling is ongoing, and security arrangements have also been strengthened for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations.”

Minister Visits Affected Areas, Hands Over Compensation

Earlier on Friday, Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah visited Kokrajhar to review the situation and provide financial assistance to families affected by the violence. He handed over compensation to the next of kin of those killed in the incident.

After distributing cheques under the Chief Minister’s Women Entrepreneurship Scheme, the minister visited the residence of Daimuti Basumatary, the widow of a victim killed in the violence, and handed over a one-time compensation of ₹5 lakh at her parental home in Kokrajhar town.

Later, Baruah visited Karigaon village, where he met the family of the late Sunil Murmu and handed over a compensation cheque of ₹5 lakh to the victim’s father.

Relief Camp Visit, Call for Peace

The minister also visited the Karigaon relief camp, interacting with displaced families. He later chaired a meeting at Karigaon High School with members of both the Bodo and Adivasi communities, urging them to maintain peace and harmony.

“The situation is gradually returning to normal. People are eager to return to their homes,” Baruah told the media.

He confirmed that families of those killed have received ₹5 lakh each, while those injured have been provided ₹1 lakh each as one-time assistance.

Support for Damaged Houses, Restoration Efforts Continue

The minister said that 46 damaged houses have been provided ₹50,000 each for reconstruction. He added that assessments related to livestock loss and damage to other property would be carried out in the next phase.

Thanking the residents of Kokrajhar for cooperating with the administration, Baruah said efforts are underway to fully restore normalcy. He also confirmed that internet services were restored as the situation improved.

According to officials, residents from four relief camps have already returned home, and families staying at the Karigaon relief camp are also expected to return soon.

Senior leaders present during the minister’s visit included BTC Chief Executive Member Hagrama Mohilary, MLA Lawrence Islary, BTC Executive Member Derhasat Basumatary, and other dignitaries.

Background of the Violence

It may be mentioned that tension gripped Kokrajhar district following a brutal mob attack late last Monday night in the Karigaon area, which left one person dead and several others seriously injured, triggering widespread protests and violence the following day.

According to official sources, the incident began when a mob, suspecting cattle smuggling, allegedly started pelting stones at a group travelling in a Scorpio SUV. As the occupants attempted to flee, the vehicle allegedly hit two Adivasi persons on Mansingh Road before overturning.

Amid the violence, the Scorpio was set on fire, and Sikhna Jauhalou Bismit, son-in-law of local road contractor Baronda Basumatary, was allegedly dragged out and lynched to death.

Four persons sustained serious injuries. Yugiraj Brahma and Prabhat Brahma are undergoing treatment at Kokrajhar Medical College Hospital, with Yugiraj’s condition reported to be critical. Two alleged members of the attacking group, Mahesh Murmu and Sunil Murmu, were also seriously injured and are receiving treatment.

Following the killing, large-scale protests erupted in Karigaon, with demonstrators blocking National Highway 27, disrupting traffic between Kokrajhar and adjoining areas. The situation escalated when protesters allegedly stormed the Karigaon police outpost, damaged property, and set fire to temporary camps and abandoned houses.

The Bishmuri–Karigaon belt witnessed near-total disruption, with fear and tension prevailing. The Bodo National Students Union (BONSU) has warned of a BTC-wide shutdown if justice is not delivered, stating that protests will continue until concrete action is taken.

Also Read: Assam Turmoil: Army Conducts Flag March as Heavy Security Deployed in Kokrajhar