Explained | Why Section 163 Was Imposed in Assam's Kokrajhar After Karigaon Clash

GUWAHATI: Following a violent incident in the Karigaon area on the evening of January 19, which raised serious law and order concerns and increased tensions between the Bodo and Adivasi communities, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, have been imposed throughout the Kokrajhar district in Assam. 

Official sources claim that the violence started when a mob began throwing stones at a Scorpio SUV carrying Sikhna Jauhalou Bismit and a few other people because they suspected the movement of cattle smugglers.

The car allegedly struck two Adivasi people on Mansingh Road, which is under the control of the Karigaon police outpost, before overturning as the occupants tried to escape out of fear for their lives.

The situation turned from bad to worse thereafter. The Sikhna Jauhalou Bismit was reportedly pulled out from the Scorpio SUV, which was on fire, and lynched. The victim has been identified as Baronda Basumatary, whose father-in-law is the road contractor in that area.

According to reports, the situation quickly got out of hand in no time, with mobs attacking the Karigaon police outpost, burning down an office building, burning tires, burning several homes, and even barricading National Highway at Karigaon. Tear gas and gunfire were the only options the police had to quell violent mobs in order to restore law and order. At least one death has been confirmed, while four others were seriously injured. There are reports of casualties on both sides, although confirmation is yet to be made by the authorities.

Section 163 BNSS was used by District Magistrate Pankaj Chakravarty as a preventive measure in an emergency situation because of the rapidly deteriorating situation. The notification states that the action was taken in view of apprehensions of possible retaliatory attacks, violence, and mobilization of crowds through provocative communication.

“The goal was to immediately restrict movement, prevent large gatherings, and stop organised agitation like bandhs, highway blockades, rallies, and sit-ins, which could have further destabilised the district,” the notification reads.

The prohibition order forbids gatherings of more than four people, unapproved processions and demonstrations, carrying weapons, obstructing government officials, torchlight processions, using outdoor sound systems without authorisation, and causing damage to public property. To help with enforcement, restrictions on pillion riding and cars with tinted glass have also been put in place. 

Government employees on duty, law enforcement, the Army, CAPF, emergency services, and the regular travel of women, children under the age of twelve, and senior citizens are all exempt from the district-wide restrictions. Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 punishes violations of the order, which will be in effect until further notice.

Internet Services Suspended

The government in the Assam province has suspended mobile internet and data services in the entire Kokrajhar district from Tuesday, in view of serious concerns regarding the misuse of the social media platform to spread rumors, provocative, and misleading content.

The directive was issued in compliance with the “Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017” as well as Section 5(2) of “The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885”. Mobile internet services have been suspended in Kashmir, while voice calls as well as broadband internet services are functioning.

Security Tightened

To prevent further escalation, Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas. Senior administrative and police officials are closely monitoring the situation on the ground.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep concern over the incident and said the state government is keeping a close watch to restore peace and normalcy at the earliest.

In a post on social media platform X, Sarma said he remains in constant contact with district authorities and senior officials to ensure the law-and-order situation is brought under control. He confirmed that RAF units have already been deployed and that arrangements have been made for the Army’s deployment if required.

The Chief Minister also announced that mobile internet services will remain temporarily suspended in both Kokrajhar and Chirang districts to prevent the spread of misinformation. Appealing for calm, he urged political leaders, community representatives, and the public to cooperate with the administration, reiterating that public safety remains the government’s top priority.

Meanwhile, Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) chief Hagrama Mohilary described the incident as unfortunate and appealed to all communities to maintain peace and restraint. He stated that the violence stemmed from a misunderstanding and warned that certain third-party elements were attempting to exploit the situation to fuel unrest.

Calling for firm action against those responsible, Mohilary stressed the importance of collective responsibility and public cooperation to prevent further deterioration. He also urged people to stay away from rumours and assist authorities in restoring normalcy.

Kokrajhar Police have so far detained 18 individuals in connection with the mob lynching incident at Karigaon. Officials said the detentions were made based on preliminary evidence and witness statements, and investigations are ongoing.

Also Read: Assam: Mobile Internet Suspended in Kokrajhar Amid Violent Clashes Between Two Communities