Who Is Protecting Indigenous Assam When Karbi Are Called ‘Chinese’?

Even as the situation in the Kheroni area of West Karbi Anglong district has largely returned to normal following violent clashes that claimed two lives, the banned militant organisation, United Liberation Front of Assam (Independent) has issued a statement alleging racial abuse and threats against the indigenous Karbi community.

The organisation claimed that during recent tensions, members of the Karbi community were subjected to racial slurs and allegedly labelled as “Chinese”, with slogans such as “Karbi Chinese, go back” being raised. The outfit described such remarks as deeply offensive and humiliating, alleging that they reflect a growing pattern of hostility towards indigenous communities in Assam.

The statement further alleged illegal occupation of Karbi land by “outsiders” and accused political leaders, sections of civil society and certain officials of failing to protect indigenous land and identity. It claimed that repeated branding of Karbi people as foreigners poses a serious threat to social harmony and ethnic coexistence in the state.

The militant outfit cited incidents in several districts, including Sivasagar, Jorhat, Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Karbi Anglong, claiming these point to a broader pattern of rising tension involving indigenous communities. It also asserted support for any movement undertaken by Karbi people to protect their land, raising concerns among security analysts about potential escalation.

Situation Under Control in Kheroni

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said the situation in Kheroni had largely stabilised following Tuesday’s violence.

“Since this morning, the situation in Kheroni has been largely peaceful. I hope the situation will completely improve by today,” Sarma told reporters, confirming that two people had died in the clashes.

He said one Karbi youth died due to police firing during a scuffle, while in another incident, some youths allegedly set a shop on fire, leading to the death of a differently-abled person who was unable to escape. Several others, including police personnel, were injured.

The Chief Minister said heavy deployment of security forces remains in place to prevent further flare-ups. “Our DGP Harmeet Singh and the Additional Chief Secretary are present in the area. Army personnel are on standby, and five companies of the CRPF have been deployed at the incident site,” he said.

Referring to the timing of the violence, Sarma noted that authorities had anticipated possible unrest with elections approaching. “We will have to move ahead carefully during December and January,” he said.

On demands for eviction of alleged encroachers from Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands, the Chief Minister said the government was constrained by ongoing legal proceedings. “There is a Gauhati High Court directive in place. The matter is sub judice, and we cannot go beyond the court. Any action without clearance would amount to contempt of court,” he said.

Appealing for restraint, Sarma added, “Violence cannot bring any solution. I appeal to the people of Karbi Anglong to maintain peace and tranquility.”

Earlier, Assam Director General of Police Harmeet Singh also urged calm, describing Tuesday’s incident as “extremely unfortunate”. “No one gains from such violence. The situation is now under control, though several civilians and police personnel were injured,” Singh said. He added that individuals involved have been identified and legal action will follow, while emphasising the need to restore normalcy through dialogue.

The DGP also said the government has proposed a public meeting to address the issue through discussions. “Sit for talks so that the issue can reach a logical and peaceful conclusion,” he said.

Political Reactions and Security Measures

The violence has triggered political reactions, with Assam Pradesh Congress Committee leader Gaurav Gogoi blaming the state government for the prevailing situation. In a social media post, Gogoi alleged that indigenous people would not be able to live in peace under the current administration.

Security forces continue intensive patrolling across Kheroni, and authorities remain on high alert to ensure that law and order is fully restored.

Why Armed Struggle Is Unlikely to Succeed

Security experts and political analysts point out that calls for armed struggle, such as those made by banned militant groups, have historically failed to resolve issues related to land rights and identity in Assam. They argue that armed movements tend to isolate communities, invite strong state response, and derail legitimate grievances by pushing them outside the constitutional framework.

Analysts note that disputes over land, including PGR and VGR areas, are currently subject to judicial scrutiny, making legal and political engagement the only viable path forward. Any turn towards violence, they warn, not only risks civilian lives but also weakens the very cause it claims to advance by allowing it to be framed as a law-and-order problem rather than a rights-based issue.

Officials have reiterated that lasting solutions can only emerge through dialogue, legal processes and democratic means, stressing that peace and stability are essential for protecting the interests of indigenous communities.

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