Assam Pradesh Hills Leaders Council (APHLC) president Jones Engti Kathar has criticised the BJP-led government in Assam, saying it has failed to control the unrest in Karbi Anglong and has not taken action against illegal settlers in the district. He blamed the ruling party for the current situation and said the government must take full responsibility for the tension and violence.
Speaking to the media, Kathar said that indigenous communities in Karbi Anglong, including tribal groups and Indigenous Assamese people, now feel that their land and identity are under threat. He alleged that a growing number of illegal settlers have occupied Protected Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) land. According to him, this situation has led to fear and uncertainty among the local people.
Kathar further claimed that groups from Bengali and Bihari communities were involved in encroaching on these lands. He said the government had ignored the issue for political reasons and accused the BJP of protecting settlers for vote-bank interests instead of safeguarding the rights of indigenous people. 
He said the people of Karbi Anglong want peace, but stability can only return when all illegal settlers are removed from government and reserved lands. “Peace cannot be restored by sending security forces to threaten local residents. The solution is to remove illegal settlers,” he said.
The APHLC chief demanded that the state government immediately evict everyone who has settled illegally on PGR and VGR land. He added that the BJP, as the ruling party, should be held accountable for the unrest and insecurity felt by local communities.
According to Kathar, the government should have acted earlier to prevent such a situation. He said the continued silence and lack of action had only increased distrust and anger among indigenous people.
Speaking about those injured during the recent unrest, Kathar said the government must take complete responsibility for their treatment. He called on the authorities to pay compensation and bear all medical expenses. He also expressed sympathy for the victims and their families and said justice should be ensured for everyone affected.
Kathar also mentioned a suspicious incident linked to the residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang. He said that five vehicles were reportedly moved out from Ronghang’s house during the period of unrest. According to Kathar, there is public speculation that these vehicles may have been used to shift weapons, cash, or sensitive documents elsewhere. He demanded that the matter be investigated in a transparent manner.
The APHLC president went further by demanding that the present council in Karbi Anglong be dissolved and fresh elections held. He said that only a newly elected body could restore public trust and provide legitimate governance.
Kathar also criticised administrative officials, saying they had failed to act according to law. He demanded strict action against all officers responsible for delaying eviction drives and mishandling land-related issues.
He pointed out that eviction of illegal settlers has already been supported by court rulings, including a Supreme Court direction, and said that the failure to act showed serious negligence by the administration. According to him, Assam Land Revenue Rule 18 clearly states that illegal encroachment must be removed from reserved land.
Kathar also referred to reports that large amounts of cash, firearms, and important documents were recovered from one of the affected locations but later removed. He said this raised doubts among the public and called for clarity from the authorities. He stressed that if such materials were indeed found, the government must explain what action was taken.
While criticising the ruling party, Kathar said that the people of Karbi Anglong do not want disturbance or violence. He repeated that indigenous residents only seek protection of their land rights and peaceful existence.
He said that if the issue of illegal settlement is handled fairly and firmly, tensions will come down and normal life will return. But if the problem is ignored, mistrust may continue.
