Assam Congress Delegation Visits Violence-Hit Kheroni in West Karbi Anglong to Assess Situation

A delegation from the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) visited the violence-affected Kheroni area in West Karbi Anglong district on Saturday to evaluate the ground situation following recent unrest that claimed two lives and injured dozens.

The delegation, appointed by APCC President Gaurav Gogoi for a spot inquiry, interacted with residents in the worst-hit zones and assessed the prevailing conditions days after clashes subsided. In a gesture of solidarity, the team visited the homes of the deceased—Linus Phangcho (also referred to as Linus Phangs), who succumbed to injuries during police action, and Suraj Dey (also referred to as Suraj De), who was burnt alive in an arson incident—and paid floral tributes while extending condolences to the bereaved families.

The delegation included Dudhnai MLA Yadav Swargiary; former minister and APCC Vice President Pranoy Rabha; APCC General Secretary Bitopan Saikia; former MLA Mansing Rongpi; President of the West Karbi Anglong District Congress Committee Augustine Ingti; Vice President of the Assam Pradesh Youth Congress Rakesh Chakraborty; APCC General Secretary and former Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council member Ashok Taron; and APCC Secretary Prashanta Mahanta, among others.

The visit comes amid a gradual return to normalcy in the region, with heavy security deployment, including Army flag marches to maintain peace.

The unrest, triggered by demands for eviction of alleged encroachers from protected tribal grazing reserves, erupted on December 22-23, leading to widespread vandalism and clashes.

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