Tension escalated in parts of Karbi Anglong after long-standing disputes over alleged encroachment on tribal land turned violent, leaving at least eight people injured and prompting the administration to impose prohibitory orders to maintain law and order.
According to local sources, around 11,000 bighas of land in tribal areas of Karbi Anglong are alleged to have been encroached upon by settlers who migrated from Bihar over the years. The issue has remained a matter of concern for the Karbi community for a long time, with repeated demands raised for eviction of those termed as illegal settlers. The prolonged discontent flared up sharply in recent days, leading to unrest in several areas.
On Monday, clashes between two groups of tribal communities were reported in Kheroni in West Karbi Anglong district for the second consecutive day. Protesters allegedly threw stones at each other, and several shops and motorcycles were vandalised during the violence. Police personnel deployed at the site resorted to a lathi charge and fired tear gas shells in an attempt to control the situation. 
Officials confirmed that eight people, including police and paramilitary personnel, sustained injuries during the clashes. Earlier in the day, three civilians and one paramilitary personnel were injured, following which the district administration imposed prohibitory orders citing the presence of “certain anti-social elements” and the risk of further escalation.
In a separate incident linked to the unrest, the residence of Paran Kumar, an Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, was attacked. Agitated protesters reportedly vandalised and ransacked the house, causing damage to property. Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are identifying those involved.
Security has been tightened across sensitive areas, with over 100 police personnel deployed to prevent further violence. Authorities said that peace-keeping forces will remain on alert until the situation stabilises.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the situation as “very sensitive” and said the government was closely monitoring developments. Speaking from an event in Guwahati, he stated that Ranoj Pegu, Minister for Education and Plain Tribe and Backward Classes (Non-BTC), was present in the affected area to hold talks with the protesters. The Chief Minister expressed hope that the issue would be resolved through dialogue.
Earlier in the day, protesters belonging to various political and social organisations appeared to ease their agitation after discussions with the minister. They called off a hunger strike that had been continuing for the past 12 days, during which they had been demanding eviction of alleged illegal settlers from protected tribal lands.
