Assam Violence Escalates in Karbi Anglong: Internet Suspended, Police Injured

Assam continues to remain on edge following violent unrest in the Kheroni area of Karbi Anglong district, where protests escalated into clashes, police firing, arson, and administrative breakdown, prompting the suspension of internet services and drawing sharp political reactions across party lines.

Ripun Bora Urges Tolerance, Blames Police Lapses

Senior Congress leader Ripun Bora, addressing a press conference at Dhekiajuli, expressed serious concern over the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Karbi Anglong.

Warning against an authoritarian approach towards protesters, Bora said provocation could push the situation further out of control.

“Violence is not a solution to any problem. If protesters are provoked with an authoritarian mindset, the situation may turn more dangerous. Everyone must remain tolerant,” he said.

Reiterating the Congress party’s position on tribal rights, Bora stated that Congress had earlier granted Sixth Schedule status and Tribal Belt and Block protections, and would continue to safeguard the interests of both tribal and non-tribal communities if it returned to power.

Holding the police responsible for the escalation of violence in Kheroni, Bora said mishandling peaceful movements could lead to grave consequences.

Akhil Gogoi Targets Government, Police; Mentions KAAC CEM Tuliram Ronghang

At Kaziranga, Raijor Dal president and MLA Akhil Gogoi strongly criticised the BJP-led Assam government and the Assam Police, terming the Karbi Anglong violence a reflection of governance failure.

Gogoi said the incident once again revived Assam’s history of ethnic conflict and exposed the weakness of the Home Department.

According to him, a group of youths had been on a democratic hunger strike for 12–13 days, but instead of engaging in dialogue, police action allegedly carried out around 3 am triggered widespread public anger.

He further alleged that social media posts had warned that protesters were heading towards the residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang, but police failed to provide adequate security despite the warnings.

Gogoi also alleged that miscreants set fire to Kheroni market, after which authorities reacted belatedly. He claimed that the fire brigade arrived much later and that water supply lasted for barely ten minutes.

Calling the unrest the result of “authoritarian rule” by the BJP government, Gogoi said Raijor Dal had already submitted a memorandum to the Assam government, demanding immediate dialogue with protesters, accountability for police action, and protection for civilians.

He further demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Minister Pijush Hazarika Appeals for Calm

State Minister Pijush Hazarika appealed to all sections of society to remain calm, stating that the violence in Karbi Anglong stemmed from misunderstandings.

“These misunderstandings must be resolved. Everyone must live together peacefully. Karbi people will be given their rightful rights,” Hazarika said, urging both sides to exercise restraint.

Responding to questions on BJP MLA Bijoy Malakar, whose citizenship matter is currently before the High Court, Hazarika defended the MLA, stating that Malakar had not sought ministerial office but had demanded a medical college for the region.

At a separate government programme, Minister Kaushik Rai alleged that jealousy over Malakar’s popularity had led to the filing of the case in the High Court.

Later in the day, Pijush Hazarika laid the foundation stone of the Sub-Divisional Office complex at Ramkrishna Nagar in Sribhumi district, in the presence of Ministers Krishnendu Paul and Kaushik Rai, along with MLA Bijoy Malakar and Kamalakshya De Purkayastha.

Gaurav Gogoi Condemns Violence, Questions CM’s Promises

At Lakhimpur, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi appealed for peace and condemned violence from all sides.

“Violence in the name of protest is unacceptable—whether by the government or the protesters,” Gogoi said, urging district authorities not to commit injustice against peaceful demonstrators.

He questioned the credibility of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma by citing several unfulfilled assurances, including:

• ₹10 lakh retirement benefits for tutor teachers

• Assam being among the top five developed states

• Recruitment of Mising language teachers

• Establishment of model schools for tea garden students

He ruled out any Congress–AIUDF alliance, while confirming that discussions with other regional parties would resume after Christmas.

Chief Minister Calls Situation Sensitive; Fresh Violence Reported

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the situation in Kheroni as “sensitive” and said Minister Ranoj Pegu was present in the area to monitor developments.

Despite this, tensions escalated again as police reportedly opened fire, leaving one protester injured in the leg. Protesters blocked highways by burning tyres, while police faced stone-pelting and responded with force to disperse crowds.

ADGP Injured; Internet Services Suspended

Amid the violence, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Akhilesh Singh was reportedly injured during the clashes, underlining the severity of the situation on the ground.

In a bid to prevent the spread of misinformation and further escalation, T. Additional security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas, and the administration remains on high alert.

Situation Remains Tense

With fresh incidents of violence, injuries to civilians and senior police officials, and heightened political rhetoric, the situation in Karbi Anglong remains tense. Leaders across party lines continue to call for restraint, dialogue, and immediate steps to restore peace and normalcy in the region.

Also Read: Assam: Fresh Clashes Erupt in Kheroni as police resort to lathi charge, mob to stone pelting