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Assam

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

The situation worsened in and around the Kheroni daily market, where protesters set tyres on fire, blocked the national highway, and disrupted vehicular movement, triggering panic in the area

  • DY365

DY365

One of them, identified as Singthi Timung, later succumbed to his injuries at Kheroni Model Hospital
One of them, identified as Singthi Timung, later succumbed to his injuries at Kheroni Model Hospital

Tension escalated sharply in Kheroni area of West Karbi Anglong district on Tuesday as protests linked to an eviction drive turned violent for the second consecutive day, forcing police to resort to firing, baton charge, rubber bullets and tear gas to prevent further escalation.

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Police Firing, Casualties Reported

According to official and medical sources, police opened fire to disperse violent protesters, during which two youths sustained bullet injuries. One of them, identified as Singthi Timung, later succumbed to his injuries at Kheroni Model Hospital. The other injured youth is undergoing treatment.

Police officials said firing was resorted to after protesters allegedly attacked security personnel with stones and attempted to breach barricades.

ADGP Injured During Violence

In a major development, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Akhilesh Kumar Singh was reportedly injured in the violence, sustaining injuries to his leg. He was provided on-the-spot medical treatment at the site of the clash. His condition is stated to be stable.

Arson, Highway Blockade and Market Disruption

The situation worsened in and around the Kheroni daily market, where protesters set tyres on fire, blocked the national highway, and disrupted vehicular movement, triggering panic in the area.

Several motorcycles belonging to Karbi youths were allegedly set ablaze, further inflaming tensions.

Kapili Bridge Emerges as Flashpoint

The Kapili bridge turned into a major flashpoint from early morning, with heavy deployment of Assam Police and security forces on both sides.
Both Karbi and non-Karbi groups were seen taking aggressive positions on opposite sides of the bridge, raising fears of a wider communal confrontation.

Non-Karbi groups were reportedly seen marching onto the streets carrying sticks and iron rods, while people from various parts of Karbi Anglong moved towards Kheroni, adding to the volatility.

Crowd-Control Measures Intensified

To bring the situation under control, police resorted to:

  • Lathi charge

  • Rubber bullets

  • Tear gas shells

Despite these measures, the law-and-order situation deteriorated multiple times, even in the presence of security forces. Police sources said they faced extreme resistance while attempting to disperse violent groups.

Senior Police Leadership on the Ground

Earlier, Director General of Police (DGP) Harmeet Singh personally reached the highway and supervised operations on the ground, making repeated attempts to stabilise the situation and prevent further violence.

Assam Police remained on high alert throughout the day, working under intense pressure to restore control.

Internet and Mobile Data Services Suspended

In response to the deteriorating situation, the Assam Home and Political Department, through a notification issued from Dispur on December 23, 2025, ordered the suspension of mobile internet and data services across Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts with immediate effect.

The decision was taken after the district administrations reported a serious law-and-order situation and apprehended that social media and internet platforms could be misused to spread rumours and inflammatory content, further aggravating the unrest.

The order was issued under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, read with the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017.

The notification clarified that voice calls and fixed-line broadband services will remain operational during the suspension period. It further stated that any violation of the order will be punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with relevant provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.

The order was signed by Biswajit Pegu, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Assam, Home & Political Department.

Situation Remains Highly Sensitive

The district authorities described the situation in West Karbi Anglong’s Kheroni area as highly sensitive. Additional security forces have been deployed, and the administration continues to closely monitor developments to prevent further flare-ups and restore peace and normalcy.

Also Read: Karbi Anglong Violence: Internet Suspended, ADGP Injured

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