“Cannot Go Beyond High Court Orders on Eviction,” Says Assam CM

The situation in Kheroni area of West Karbi Anglong district has largely returned to normal following violent clashes that claimed two lives on Tuesday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday.

Heavy deployment of Assam police and central armed forces continues in the area to prevent any further flare-up.

Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Sarma said,

“Since this morning, the situation in Kheroni has been largely peaceful. I hope the situation will completely improve by today.”

He confirmed that two people died in the incident.

“Yesterday, due to police firing, one Karbi youth died during a scuffle. In another incident, some Karbi youths allegedly torched a shop, and a differently-abled person who could not come out was charred to death. A few others, including police personnel, sustained injuries,” CM Sarma said.

The Chief Minister said the administration has brought the situation under control and senior officials are on the ground.

“Our DGP Harmeet Singh and the Additional Chief Secretary are present in the area. Army personnel are also on standby. Five companies of the CRPF have been deployed at the incident site,” he added.

Referring to the timing of the violence, CM Sarma said, 

“As elections are approaching, we had anticipated that some incidents could occur at certain places. We will have to move ahead carefully during December and January.”

On the demand for eviction of alleged encroachers from Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands, the Chief Minister said the government’s hands are tied due to ongoing legal proceedings.

“There is a Gauhati High Court directive in place. The matter is sub judice, and we cannot go beyond the court. All our earlier eviction drives were conducted only after receiving final clearance from the court. Otherwise, it would amount to contempt of court,” he said.

Urging restraint, CM Sarma added, 

“Violence cannot bring any solution. I appeal to the people of Karbi Anglong to maintain peace and tranquility.”

Earlier in the day, Assam Director General of Police Harmeet Singh also appealed for calm.

“Tuesday’s incident was extremely unfortunate. No one gains from such violence. The situation is now under control, but several civilians and police personnel were injured,” Singh said.

He added,

“I urge everyone not to create any unpleasant situation. Some individuals involved have been identified, and legal action will be taken as per law. However, we must allow the area to return to normalcy.” Singh further said the state government has proposed a public meeting to resolve the issue through dialogue. “Sit for talks and discussions so that the issue can reach a logical and peaceful conclusion,” he said.

Meanwhile, the violence has triggered strong political reactions. Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) leader Gaurav Gogoi, in a social media post, blamed the state government for the prevailing situation.

“Looking at the current socio-economic and political condition of Assam, one thing is clear — as long as Himanta Biswa Sarma remains the Chief Minister, the indigenous people and the citizens of Assam will never be able to live in peace. Everyone’s dreams will remain just dreams,” Gogoi wrote.

Security forces continue intensive patrolling across Kheroni and remain on high alert to ensure law and order is fully restored.

Also Read: Kheroni on the Brink: Police Firing, One Death, Internet Cut — What Has Happened So Far in West Karbi Anglong