Assam: Tensions in Kheroni, bikes set on fire as clash between Karbis and non-Tribal continues

Tensions in the Kheroni area of West Karbi Anglong, Assam, escalated on Tuesday as scores of people of non-tribal origin took to the streets protesting against the recent alleged arson on their shops by Karbi groups demanding their eviction from VGR and PGR.

The non-tribal residents (mostly of Nonia origin) in the Kheroni area staged massive protests alleging arson attacks on their shops and establishments.

The demonstrations turned chaotic in parts, with angry crowds setting fire to a few vehicles and clashing with others, leading to assaults on several individuals. Heavy security forces were deployed to contain the situation, though underlying ethnic tensions continued to simmer.

Tense situations gripped Kheroni and the surrounding areas on Monday as well following violent protests over the long-pending PGR–VGR eviction issue.

The agitation escalated into widespread violence, with protesters resorting to arson at multiple locations, leaving the region on edge.

According to reports, incidents of arson were recorded across Kheroni and Hamren, while several houses belonging to non-tribals were set ablaze in Donkamokam. Vehicles parked along the highway were also torched. Shops, residential houses, and other properties were targeted, causing extensive damage and spreading panic among residents.

In view of the deteriorating law-and-order situation, the district administration imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) across West Karbi Anglong. Under the prohibitory orders, processions in public places have been banned, gatherings of more than five people are prohibited, and the use of loudspeakers or bikes without prior permission has been disallowed. Restrictions have also been imposed on public speeches, and the display of banners and posters has been banned.

The prohibitory orders were in force from 5 pm to 6 am, during which no individual was allowed to step out. Night-time movement of private vehicles has also been prohibited. Despite these measures, police admitted that the situation remains largely out of control, with some describing the prevailing conditions as similar to unrest seen in Nepal and Bangladesh.

Earlier in the day, violent protesters allegedly set fire to the residence of the Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang was also torched.

To disperse the violent crowd and regain control, police were forced to fire shots in the air. Clashes between protesters and security personnel left three people injured, including one police officer.

The unrest stems from a prolonged movement demanding the eviction of alleged non-Karbi settlers from the Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands. Protesters have been demanding immediate eviction, but the administration has been unable to act due to a stay imposed by the High Court. An indefinite hunger strike had also been launched over the issue, and the Karbi Anglong administration had invited the hunger strikers for talks scheduled for today.

However, the situation took a dramatic turn when police, at around 3 am, removed protesters from the hunger strike site. Soon after this action, violence erupted in Kheroni, with thousands of people pouring onto the streets in protest.

The developments are being closely monitored by the state leadership. Director General of Police (DGP) Harmeet Singh and Minister Ranoj Pegu are overseeing the situation on the ground. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that he is constantly monitoring the developments, adding that the DGP is present in the area and Minister Ranoj Pegu has been dispatched to Kheroni to assess the situation firsthand.

Commenting on the agitation, Tuliram Ronghang stated that nothing could be done in a matter that is currently sub judice before the court, a remark that protesters have described as indifferent.

As tensions continue to simmer, authorities remain on high alert, with efforts underway to restore peace and prevent further escalation in the violence-hit district.

Following this, on Tuesday, scores of people of non-tribal origin took to the streets calling for immediate action and arrangements for their safety from the Karbi groups, who they claimed had torched their houses and business establishments.

They also came out with batons and sticks for their protection and defence during a possible confrontation. In between these, they also moved into a violent protest and reportedly set fire to at least two motorcycles.

In order to prevent any possible riots between the two communities, police blocked a bridge facilitating the movement from the Karbi Villages to the non-Karbi areas in the region.

The protestors of non-tribal origin claimed that they were long-term settlers who resided in the region for generations and contributed to its growth.

They expressed deep outrage over the deliberate burning of their businesses. They condemned the violence as an attack on their livelihoods, demanding immediate protection and justice.

The latest protests come a day after tribal agitators demanding eviction of alleged encroachers from protected grazing reserves torched properties in non-tribal areas and set ablaze the ancestral home of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS remain in force across the district, with officials urging dialogue to restore peace amid fears of further communal flare-ups.