The Assam government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, announced on Friday that it will move the Gauhati High Court on January 5 seeking legal clarity on eviction-related matters following unrest in West Karbi Anglong district. The move comes in the wake of violent clashes between the indigenous Karbi community and the Bihari community, which have left two people dead and more than 70 others, including over 60 police personnel, injured. The unrest has been primarily linked to alleged encroachments on Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands in the tribal-dominated region.

The announcement was made during a tripartite meeting held at the Chief Minister’s official residence in Guwahati. Addressing the media and attendees, Sarma said that the government’s approach was aimed at resolving tensions, restoring law and order, and safeguarding indigenous land rights. He emphasized that legal intervention was necessary to provide clarity on eviction processes and to ensure that disputes over land encroachments were addressed in a transparent and judicious manner.

Government Measures to Address the Crisis

Sarma outlined several measures the government intends to implement to stabilize the situation and reassure the local population. One of the key steps includes withdrawing all government offices from VGR and PGR lands, thereby preventing any administrative occupation of disputed areas. Additionally, the government plans to fence nearly 8,000 bighas of land and launch a large-scale afforestation drive aimed at restoring the green cover in the affected regions.

Another critical decision pertains to trade licenses issued within VGR and PGR areas. The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) has been instructed to cancel all existing licenses in these zones and to refrain from issuing any fresh licenses. These measures are intended to curb encroachment and illegal commercial activity on land designated for the use of indigenous communities. Sarma also announced that another review meeting would be held on January 16 or 17 to assess the progress of these initiatives.

Background of the Conflict

The current unrest in West Karbi Anglong has deep roots in land disputes between indigenous Karbis and the Hindi-speaking Bihari population. Allegations of encroachment on PGR and VGR lands, which are legally reserved for grazing and other indigenous uses, have been a point of contention for several years. The tension escalated when members of the Karbi community launched a 15-day hunger strike, demanding the eviction of illegal settlers.

The situation further deteriorated when police, acting on administrative orders, removed three agitators from the protest site during the early hours of Monday for purported hospitalization. This move triggered widespread anger among the protesters, who then resorted to violent demonstrations. The administration responded by deploying additional security forces, while the Indian Army conducted flag marches in the district to restore order and prevent further escalation.

Dialogue and Resolution Efforts

Following the unrest, Assam Minister Ranoj Pegu engaged with the protesters, assuring them that the Chief Minister would hold talks to address their concerns. The dialogue led to the withdrawal of the hunger strike, signaling a temporary easing of tensions and paving the way for the government to take administrative and legal action.

Sarma emphasized that while multiple cases had been registered in the aftermath of the violence, the government would withdraw all cases except the one pertaining to the man who was burned alive, as a gesture aimed at fostering goodwill and trust among local communities. Furthermore, Sarma announced that a family member of the person killed in police firing would be provided with a government job, along with compensation amounting to ₹10 lakh, reflecting the state’s commitment to redressal and social justice.

Legal and Administrative Hurdles

Addressing concerns related to a stay order on evictions in Karbi Anglong, the Chief Minister criticized the KAAC for failing to submit the required affidavit to the High Court for nearly two years. According to Sarma, the council had claimed it did not possess a copy of the relevant notification, while local residents maintained that they did. The government has now obtained the document, which it plans to submit to the High Court, expressing optimism that necessary evictions will proceed once the legal clarification is received.

Sarma also highlighted that the issue of encroachments was not confined to PGR and VGR lands, but extended to several other categories of government land, indicating a broader problem of illegal occupation and misuse of state resources. By initiating legal proceedings and implementing administrative measures, the government aims to create a precedent for effective land management and protection of tribal rights.

Community Impact and Socio-Political Implications

The unrest in West Karbi Anglong has had far-reaching social and political implications. The clashes exposed deep-seated tensions between indigenous communities seeking to protect their traditional rights and migrant populations accused of encroachment. Local leaders have emphasized the need for dialogue, legal clarity, and administrative enforcement to prevent such conflicts from recurring.

The Chief Minister’s approach reflects a multi-pronged strategy: combining legal action through the High Court, administrative reforms, afforestation and land management, and social measures such as compensation and employment for affected families. This strategy aims not only to restore law and order but also to rebuild trust between communities, demonstrating the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and tribal welfare.

Way Forward

Moving forward, the Assam government plans to maintain close monitoring of the situation, particularly in PGR and VGR areas, to prevent the resurgence of violence. The High Court intervention on January 5 is expected to provide legal clarity on eviction procedures and reinforce the authority of the state and autonomous councils in managing land disputes.

In addition to judicial intervention, Sarma’s administration is focusing on preventive measures, including fencing of land, afforestation, and stricter regulation of trade licenses. These measures aim to protect ecological balance, uphold tribal rights, and reduce the potential for future conflicts.

The government’s proactive stance, coupled with dialogue and community engagement, is being viewed as a model for addressing tribal unrest and land disputes in other parts of Assam and the North-East region. By balancing legal, administrative, and social interventions, the state hopes to ensure long-term peace, stability, and equitable resource management.

Conclusion

The Assam government’s decision to move the Gauhati High Court underscores the complex interplay between law, administration, and community rights in managing land-related conflicts. The unrest in West Karbi Anglong district highlights the challenges of enforcing land use regulations in tribal areas, particularly when historical grievances, encroachments, and demographic changes intersect.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s approach—combining legal recourse, administrative action, and community-sensitive measures—reflects a commitment to restoring order, protecting indigenous rights, and ensuring justice for affected communities. The upcoming High Court proceedings and government initiatives are expected to serve as a benchmark for resolving similar conflicts, promoting peace and sustainable governance in Assam’s tribal belts.