Guwahati, December 27, 2025: A total of 173 security personnel from the Assam Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) sustained injuries during violent incidents earlier this week in West Karbi Anglong district, Assam, officials said on Saturday. The unrest, which erupted following a protest by members of the Karbi community, also resulted in the deaths of two people, highlighting the volatile situation in this tribal belt of the state.

According to a statement from the Assam Police, 139 of the injured personnel received first aid at the site of the incidents, while 33 were transported to various hospitals for further treatment. The authorities reported that, while the situation remains tense, there have been no further untoward incidents, and normalcy is gradually returning to the affected areas. Security forces are maintaining a strict vigil, with prohibitory orders in place and internet services suspended to prevent the spread of misinformation and curb potential escalation.

The violence erupted in connection with a protest led by the Karbi community, who had been on a hunger strike for 15 days. The agitators were demanding the eviction of alleged illegal settlers, predominantly from Bihar, from the Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands in the tribal regions of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts. These lands are traditionally reserved for use by the local tribal population, and tensions have long simmered over encroachment and illegal settlements.

The immediate trigger for the violence was the removal of three protesters from the protest site in the early hours of Monday. Authorities stated that the protesters were taken to a hospital in Guwahati for medical care as their health had deteriorated during the hunger strike. However, members of the agitators’ community viewed the action as an attempt to suppress their protest, which led to violent clashes with security forces.

The unrest escalated on Tuesday when a large mob rampaged through the Kheroni area in West Karbi Anglong district. Reports confirmed that one person was killed in police firing, while another was burnt alive inside his house, marking the deadliest episode of the confrontation. Security forces faced fierce resistance from the mob, which included stone-pelting and physical assaults, leading to injuries among police and CRPF personnel.

The roots of the conflict go back to attempts made last year to evict illegal settlers from the grazing reserve lands. However, the eviction process was halted after a petition was filed in the Gauhati High Court, which issued an interim order staying the evictions. The legal deadlock contributed to mounting frustration among the Karbi community, ultimately culminating in the violent episodes earlier this week.

In response to the latest outbreak of violence, the state government initiated a tripartite meeting on Friday, bringing together representatives from the state administration, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), and the protesting community. During the meeting, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured the participants that the government would move the Gauhati High Court for an early order on the previous stay concerning the eviction of settlers from grazing lands in both districts. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of a legal and peaceful resolution to the dispute, seeking to balance the rights of the tribal community with the state’s administrative and legal responsibilities.

Authorities have reinforced security measures in both Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts to prevent further outbreaks of violence. Police patrols have been intensified, and checkpoints have been established to monitor the movement of potentially disruptive elements. Internet services in affected areas have been suspended as a preventive measure, aiming to curb the rapid spread of rumors and inflammatory messages that could provoke further unrest.

The Assam Police also emphasized that despite the violence, they remain committed to protecting the lives of citizens and maintaining law and order. “The injuries sustained by our personnel reflect the intensity of the confrontation, but we are focused on restoring peace and normalcy in the affected districts,” a police spokesperson said.

The recent events in Karbi Anglong have also highlighted the long-standing tensions over land rights in tribal regions. Grazing reserves, including Village Grazing Reserve and Professional Grazing Reserve lands, are legally designated for use by indigenous communities. However, migration and settlement of non-tribal populations have led to repeated conflicts, often requiring intervention by both local authorities and the judiciary.

Observers noted that while the Karbi community’s concerns over encroachment are valid, the violence has severely impacted law and order, leading to injuries, property damage, and the loss of lives. The state government and the KAAC are under pressure to find a sustainable, legal solution that satisfies the tribal population while also upholding constitutional and legal processes.

The injury toll among security personnel underscores the challenges faced by the Assam Police and CRPF in controlling large-scale unrest in geographically difficult areas. Many of the personnel who sustained injuries were reportedly hit by stones and other projectiles while attempting to contain the crowd. First aid and medical evacuation were carried out promptly, reflecting coordinated emergency response mechanisms in the field.

Meanwhile, community leaders and civil society organizations have called for a dialogue-based approach to prevent further violence. They urged both the protesters and the government to engage in constructive discussions rather than resorting to confrontations that endanger lives and destabilize the region.

As of now, the law and order situation remains fragile, with authorities emphasizing caution and restraint. The government has reiterated its commitment to addressing the genuine grievances of the Karbi community through legal channels, while also taking firm action against those who indulge in violent activities.

In conclusion, the violent incidents in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong earlier this week, which resulted in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to 173 security personnel, have brought to the fore the complex interplay of tribal rights, land disputes, and law enforcement challenges in Assam. With the intervention of the state government, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, and the judiciary, there is cautious optimism that a peaceful and legally compliant resolution can be achieved, preventing further escalation and ensuring the safety and security of both the tribal population and law enforcement personnel in the region.

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