Unrest in Assam Karbi Anglong: Internet Suspended After Fatal Clashes

December 24, 2025 — The Assam government has ordered an indefinite suspension of mobile internet and data services in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts following a wave of violent protests that has left two people dead and dozens injured.

The notification, issued by the Home and Political Department, cited a serious “law and order” situation and the high risk of inflammatory messages spreading via social media. While mobile data is blocked, voice calls and fixed broadband lines remain functional.

The Spark: Land Rights and Eviction Demands

The unrest is rooted in a long-standing demand by indigenous Karbi organizations for the eviction of alleged illegal settlers from Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands. These areas are protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides tribal communities autonomy over their land.

The situation escalated after a group of protesters began a hunger strike in early December. Tensions reached a breaking point on Monday, December 22, following rumors that the hunger strikers had been arrested by police. Although officials clarified that the protesters were moved to a hospital for medical care, the news triggered widespread arson.

Violent Escalation and Casualties

The violence intensified on Tuesday, centered primarily around the Kheroni and Dongkamokam areas.

• Fatalities: Two individuals lost their lives. One was a tribal protester, while the other was a non-tribal person with a disability who tragically died after becoming trapped in a building set on fire by a mob.
• Injuries: At least 45 people were injured, including 38 police personnel. High-ranking officials, including Director General of Police (DGP) Harmeet Singh and an IPS officer, sustained injuries from stone-pelting and arrows.
• Property Damage: Protesters torched several shops, vehicles, and the ancestral home of Tuliram Ronghang, the Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).

Government Response and Legal Hurdles

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep pain over the loss of lives and urged for peace. He noted that the government’s hands are currently tied regarding evictions because the matter is sub judice. The Gauhati High Court has issued an interim stay on eviction drives in these specific grazing lands.

“In a democratic country, things must be done in a democratic way. You cannot simply thrash people and chase them out. We must wait for the High Court’s directions,” the Chief Minister stated.

To prevent further escalation, the following measures are in place:

1. Section 163 of BNSS: Prohibitory orders ban gatherings of five or more people.
2. Night Curfew: A restriction on movement is in effect from 5:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
3. Deployment: Additional paramilitary forces and commandos have been rushed to the region to stabilize the situation.

A tripartite meeting involving the State Government, the KAAC, and representatives of the protesters is scheduled for December 26 to find a peaceful resolution.