The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has held the BJP-led governments at the state and central level responsible for the growing tension and unrest in Karbi Anglong. The party has said that the present situation reflects neglect of indigenous rights, large-scale land issues, and failure to protect local communities.
At a press conference, AJP general secretary Jagadish Bhuyan said that indigenous people in Assam are facing one of the most difficult periods in recent history. He claimed that frequent tensions and public protests are signs that local communities now feel insecure about their land, identity and future.
Bhuyan criticised the government over the slogans “Karbi Go Back” and “Chinese Go Back,” which were reportedly raised during recent unrest in Karbi Anglong. He demanded that the people involved in raising these slogans be identified and arrested immediately. According to him, such open threats directed at indigenous communities were never heard in Assam in the past and have become visible only in recent years.
The AJP leader said that even though the government often talks about protecting “jati, mati and bheti,” the reality on the ground tells a different story. He argued that if the clauses of the Assam Accord had been implemented in full, the present situation would not have arisen. Instead, he said, many indigenous communities now feel they have been pushed into a struggle for survival.
Bhuyan also alleged that large-scale land transfer has taken place in Karbi Anglong. He claimed that nearly 1.5 lakh bighas of land have gone out of the hands of indigenous people and have been handed over to corporate interests or outsiders. This, he said, has created fear among local residents that they may lose control over their traditional land.
He further targeted Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang. Bhuyan alleged that during Ronghang’s tenure, Karbi land has increasingly moved away from indigenous hands. He also said that despite Ronghang’s reported proximity to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the region has witnessed growing instability and allegations of corruption.
The AJP leader questioned why the state government, which is known for eviction drives in other parts of Assam, has not taken strong steps against illegal land occupation in Karbi Anglong. According to him, eviction policies are not being used to protect indigenous lands in the hill district, which has created further resentment.
Bhuyan also expressed concern that the government has not properly consulted Karbi organisations or local bodies before taking key decisions. He said that when decisions are made without listening to local communities, mistrust grows and misunderstandings deepen.
He further said that even constitutional provisions meant to safeguard tribal areas, including the Sixth Schedule, have not been able to offer full protection. He accused the BJP government of encouraging an increase in the number of outsiders in the state, which he described as a threat to the existence of indigenous people. He went on to call the party “dangerous” for indigenous communities in Assam.
Bhuyan said that the AJP supports the Karbi people and stands with them during this difficult period. He said the community should not feel that they are alone in their struggle to protect their land and identity.
The AJP leader also raised questions about the demolition of the residence of Tuliram Ronghang. He demanded a high-level inquiry, saying that the house was demolished before a full police investigation could take place. According to him, the manner in which the demolition was carried out has raised doubts among people and led to suspicion that certain facts may have been hidden because of political connections.
On the issue of granting Scheduled Tribe status to different communities, Bhuyan accused the BJP of playing political games. He claimed that, despite repeated announcements, no official proposal has been sent to the central government. He referred to a Union minister’s reported statement to support his claim. According to him, it is unlikely that any new community in Assam will receive tribal status under the present government.