Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati
Guwahati, Dec 27: At least 173 security personnel, belonging to the Assam Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), were injured during violent incidents earlier this week in West Karbi Anglong district, in which two persons lost their lives, police said on Saturday.
Authorities said the situation in the violence-hit districts of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong is slowly returning to normal, with no fresh incidents reported.
In a post on X, the Assam Police stated, “173 personnel of the Assam Police and CRPF were injured during the incidents on December 22–23, 2025, under Kheroni police station in West Karbi Anglong. Of them, 139 were given first aid on the spot, while 33 were referred to various hospitals for further treatment.”
Security forces continue to maintain a strict vigil in the affected areas. Prohibitory orders remain in force, and internet services have been suspended as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of rumours and further violence.
The unrest was triggered amid a 15-day hunger strike by agitators from the Karbi community, who have been demanding the eviction of alleged illegal settlers—mostly from Bihar—from Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands located in tribal belts.
Tensions escalated on Monday after police shifted three hunger-striking protesters from the agitation site in the early hours, reportedly to a hospital in Guwahati after their health condition worsened. However, protesters alleged they were forcibly taken away, leading to violent clashes.
On Tuesday, the Kheroni area witnessed widespread violence, during which one person was killed in police firing, while another was burnt alive inside his house, officials said.
An eviction drive had been attempted last year as well, but the process was halted after a petition was filed in the Gauhati High Court, which issued an interim stay on the eviction from grazing lands.
Meanwhile, a tripartite meeting was held on Friday involving the Assam government, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, and representatives of the protesters. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured that the state government would approach the Gauhati High Court seeking an early hearing on the matter related to the stay on eviction in grazing lands across both districts.
Officials said efforts are underway to restore peace and resolve the issue through dialogue.