“Youth Misguided, Violence Not the Solution”: Assam DGP on West Karbi Anglong Clashes

West Karbi Anglong witnessed a violent escalation today, leaving two people dead and dozens injured, including police personnel.

Assam DGP Harmeet Singh described the situation as alarming, revealing that around 30 police personnel and one IPS officer were injured, and he himself sustained a shoulder injury while trying to control the crowds. Singh highlighted that the unrest erupted despite prior assurances from local youth that they would maintain peace.

“I personally went in front of the crowds to make them aware that taking law into their hands won’t replace the proper process of dialogue. Yesterday, the youths assured me they would not become violent, but today, they attacked our police personnel again, which we cannot allow. Legal action has been initiated accordingly,” Singh said.

Singh detailed the extreme measures taken by some locals, including attacks with bows and arrows and the detonation of a gas cylinder. He appealed to intellectuals, educators, senior citizens, and media persons to guide society and prevent escalation. The DGP also addressed the role of social media in aggravating the situation, confronting a youth who was livestreaming the violence and spreading false information about the crowd size. “Around 700 people came out in Kherani during today’s clashes, which I personally witnessed. The youth must not incite violence with false claims,” he said. During the media interaction, some violent youths burned a shop right in front of the DGP, further highlighting the volatility.

Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep concern over the situation. “I am closely monitoring the situation in West Karbi Anglong. It is deeply painful that two persons lost their lives during today’s unrest,” he said. He announced that additional security forces will be deployed in Kherani tomorrow to restore law and order and stated that the government is in constant touch with all stakeholders to bring normalcy through dialogue. “My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The Government will stand with all affected families and provide all necessary support,” he added.

Administrative actions have been taken in response to the unrest: Senior police officer Faiz Ahmed Barbhuyan has been transferred, and five CRPF companies have been deployed to Kherani to stabilize the situation. The Assam police force continue to work to de-escalate tensions while ensuring public safety.

This unrest underscores the fragile situation in West Karbi Anglong, where misguided youth, misinformation, and unresolved local grievances can quickly escalate into violence.

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