Assam Nagarik Sanmilan has issued an appeal letter expressing serious concern over the recent unrest in Karbi Anglong. The organisation has said that the policies of the BJP-led government have created tension in the area and have led to the present turmoil, where two people lost their lives and several others were injured.
The letter has been signed by prominent Assamese personalities, including noted intellectual Hiren Gohain, former DGP Harekrishna Deka, Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, lawyer Santanu Borthakur, academic Prof Abdul Mannan, and social activist Paresh Malakar.
The organisation has termed the situation in Karbi Anglong “alarming”. It said that it is disturbing to see slogans like “Karbi Go Back” being raised inside Karbi Anglong itself. According to the letter, such developments are the result of policies followed by the present government. 
The appeal also drew attention to the violence and unrest in Manipur and warned that a similar situation could develop in Karbi Anglong if steps are not taken in time.
The letter stated that when the Mikir Hills area came under the Sixth Schedule in 1951, around 96 percent of the population consisted of Karbi and other tribal communities. Now, the tribal population is estimated at around 52 percent, while people from outside the state form nearly 46-47 percent of the total population.
Assam Nagarik Sanmilan questioned how permanent settlement by non-tribals has been allowed in a Sixth Schedule area, where such settlement is restricted under law. It expressed concern that some groups now feel confident enough to openly raise anti-Karbi slogans.
The organisation also opposed the proposed special revision of the Assam voters’ list, saying that it could give voting rights to recent migrants and change the social balance further.
The letter further alleged that large areas of protected land in Karbi Anglong are being allotted to corporate groups with government support. It claimed that nearly 1.5 lakh bighas of land have been allocated to major business houses, which, it warned, could threaten the livelihood and identity of the Karbi people.
It added that this problem may not remain limited to Karbi Anglong alone and could affect other communities in Assam in the future.
Assam Nagarik Sanmilan said the concerns of the Karbi people have increased due to demographic changes and lack of progress on their demand for greater autonomy. It also criticised the political leadership for allegedly using the region only for political and financial benefit.
At the same time, the organisation appealed to the people not to resort to violence. It said unity and peaceful organisation are the only way to protect indigenous rights and resist what it described as pressure from outsiders and corporate forces.
