West Karbi Anglong district in Assam turned into a battlefield on Tuesday following a violent clash between two groups over the eviction of illegal encroachers. At least two people have reportedly died. Many people were injured. Police resorted to lathi-charge to bring the situation under control. Tear gas shells were also deployed. Currently, unlawful assembly has been prohibited under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita to maintain peace and order in the area.
Internet services suspended
The state administration has issued a directive stating that internet services have been suspended indefinitely in both Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts to prevent rumors and tension. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that additional security forces are being deployed to restore peace in the Kheroni area.
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Why are the people in furore?
Residents allege that Biharis have illegally occupied government land reserved for grazing in this region. They have been on a hunger strike for the past 15 days, demanding the eviction of the illegal encroachers. The situation has been tense since Monday. On Monday, protesters allegedly set fire to the residence of the chief of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, or KAAC, and around 15 shops in Kheroni market.
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News agency PTI reported that those affected took to the streets on Tuesday in protest. At the same time, protesters also gathered in the Kheroni market area demanding the eviction of illegal encroachers. Suddenly, a clash broke out between the two groups. Security forces deployed in the area tried to calm them down. But suddenly, both sides started pelting stones at each other. The area took on the appearance of a battlefield amid the shower of bricks and stones. The situation remains tense.
