What began as a peaceful protest over land-related issues quickly turned violent after rumours spread that hunger strikers had been detained and taken to Guwahati. According to officials, this misinformation led to panic and anger, resulting in widespread vandalism across Nepali Basti and surrounding localities.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that a wave of violence that hit Kheroni town and nearby areas in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district on December 22 was allegedly triggered by rumours and misinformation linked to hunger-striking protesters.
Homes, shops, boundary fences and vehicles were damaged, while a school bus and an ambulance were vandalised, raising serious safety and emergency concerns. Several families reportedly fled their homes, fearing further violence.
As per a report of India Today NE, “They claimed to be protesting land issues, but ended up destroying the livelihoods of innocent people,” said a local resident. “Common citizens paid the price.”
Police forces were deployed across the area to restore order, and investigations have been launched to identify those responsible for the destruction.
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Rumours or reality
Explaining the government’s stand, Chief Minister Sarma said that the unrest followed the shifting of hunger-striking protesters to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital after their health deteriorated.
“A few people were protesting and on hunger strike. When their condition worsened, they were taken to GMCH for treatment. Unfortunately, rumours spread that they had been detained and taken to Guwahati,” Sarma said. “This misinformation led to the volatile situation in Karbi Anglong.”
Clarifying further, he added, “Those brought for treatment will return home.”
Tensions escalated later in the day when the residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang was allegedly set on fire in Donkamokam. No injuries were reported.
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Sarma said the demand to remove non-tribal residents from certain areas is a long-standing issue, but stressed legal limitations. “We cannot evict anyone at present. We cannot go against a High Court order,” he said.
Appealing for calm, he added, “We can sit together, hold discussions, and resolve the issue peacefully. I myself will sit with the protesters and try to find a solution.”
KAAC CEM Ronghang also denied claims of arrests. “No one was arrested. Those who became unwell during the hunger strike were taken for medical treatment to Gauhati Medical College Hospital,” he said.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
