“Harassment and Intimidation Must Stop,” Says Samujjal Bhattacharjya on Karbi Anglong

The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has urged the Assam government to intervene immediately in the prevailing situation in Karbi Anglong, expressing serious concern over rising tensions, incidents of violence, and the use of inflammatory and intimidating rhetoric in the region.

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, AASU stated that the situation in parts of Karbi Anglong has become increasingly volatile, creating fear among residents and threatening long-standing social harmony. The students’ body underlined that the issue is no longer confined to a single district and requires urgent administrative and political attention.

AASU stressed that both the Karbi people, an indigenous tribal community of Assam, and other indigenous and non-Karbi communities living in the region must be provided equal protection and security.

The organisation also flagged the circulation of provocative slogans, threatening statements, and intimidation, both on the ground and through social media, warning that such actions could further escalate tensions if not addressed immediately.

Samujjal Bhattacharjya’s statement

Echoing the concerns raised in the letter, AASU adviser Dr Samujjal Bhattacharjya issued a public appeal through a Facebook post, calling for restraint and the restoration of a peaceful environment.

“AASU is deeply concerned about the situation in Karbi Anglong,” Bhattacharjya said.

Emphasising the broader implications of the unrest, he added:

“Karbi Anglong’s problem is Assam’s problem. It is an issue linked to the national life of Assam.”

Bhattacharjya strongly cautioned against coercive methods being used in the name of movements or identity.

“Harassment, intimidation, and pressure tactics in the name of movements must be stopped immediately. Peace cannot be achieved through threats or force,” he said.

He further stressed the need to protect all communities living in the hill district.

“The interests and security of the Karbi people as well as other indigenous and local communities living in Karbi Anglong must be protected,” Bhattacharjya stated.

Warning against provocative rhetoric, he said:

“Raising slogans or issuing threats in the name of ‘Karbi’ identity is unacceptable. Such actions will only push society towards instability instead of peace.”

Call for government action

AASU urged the state government to take firm steps to restore law and order, curb inflammatory statements, and initiate dialogue among stakeholders to ensure a sustainable and peaceful resolution.

The letter to the Chief Minister was signed by AASU President Utpal Sarma and General Secretary Samiran Phukan.

The students’ body maintained that unless immediate measures are taken to stop intimidation and de-escalate tensions, the situation in Karbi Anglong could deteriorate further, with serious consequences for communal harmony in Assam.

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