Karbi Anglong

Authorities have enforced prohibitory measures under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyay Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district following a sharp escalation in tensions.

An order issued by Karbi Anglong District Magistrate Nirola Phangchopi came into effect from December 22, 2025, and will remain in force until further notice. The restrictions aim to prevent ethnic or communal unrest, curb the activities of anti-social elements, and safeguard public life and property.

Under the order, gatherings of five or more people are banned, and movement of individuals and private vehicles is completely restricted between 5:00 pm and 6:00 am. Public demonstrations, including rallies, picketing, torch processions and dharnas, have been prohibited. The order also bars carrying firearms, bursting firecrackers, delivering inflammatory or anti-national speeches, displaying provocative posters or wall writings, and using loudspeakers or microphones without prior permission.

Personnel from the police, armed forces and officials performing official duties have been exempted from the movement restrictions. People facing medical emergencies are also allowed to move. Educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities conducting examinations, as well as government and private offices, will continue to function normally.

Assam Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu and Director General of Police Harmeet Singh visited the affected area to review the situation.

The violence erupted after protesters staging sit-in demonstrations over demands for the eviction of alleged illegal encroachers from Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands allegedly set fire to the residence of the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC). The incident took place in the Dongkamukam area near Kheroni in West Karbi Anglong.

At least three protesters and several security personnel sustained injuries during clashes between demonstrators and the police. Officials said stone-pelting by protesters forced security forces to resort to blank firing to disperse the crowd and restore order.

A senior police official said additional forces have been deployed in the district to stabilise the situation. Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh told ANI that efforts were underway to normalise conditions, adding that the mob had torched the CEM’s residence and some security personnel suffered minor injuries.

According to reports, tensions flared after police detained a few protesters on Monday morning. This prompted large groups of locals to block roads, march towards Dongkamukam and allegedly set ablaze the ancestral house of KAAC CEM Tuliram Ronghang. Mobs also reportedly vandalised several houses, a school bus and other structures in a nearby settlement.

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The agitation is rooted in a long-standing demand to clear settlers from PGR and VGR lands. Although the KAAC issued eviction notices in February 2024, the process has been halted due to a petition pending before the Gauhati High Court over concerns of contempt.

Further details are awaited.