A flag march was conducted and the Army was deployed in sensitive areas of West Karbi Anglong on Wednesday as tension continued to prevail in the Kheroni area following violent unrest that left two people dead and several others injured over the past two days.
The violence erupted during protests linked to a long-standing land eviction dispute in the Sixth Schedule hill district. On Monday and Tuesday, clashes were reported in Kheroni and nearby areas, where protesters allegedly vandalised and torched houses, shops, motorcycles and public property. The situation worsened after rumours spread that hunger-striking agitators were detained, triggering large-scale mobilisation and anger on the streets.
Police confirmed that at least two people lost their lives in the violence, while around 45 others were injured, including several police personnel. Security forces resorted to lathi charge and tear gas to disperse mobs after stone-pelting and arson were reported. Parts of the busy Kheroni bazaar were badly hit, forcing shopkeepers to shut down their establishments as thick smoke and fear gripped the area. 
Among the deceased, one victim has been identified as Tinkhu Timung, while the second, Suraj Dey, reportedly died after a shop was set on fire while he was inside, according to reports. The incidents sparked fresh tension across the district.
The unrest is rooted in demands for the eviction of alleged encroachers from Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands, which are protected under the Sixth Schedule to safeguard tribal land rights. Protesters claim that thousands of acres of such land have been encroached upon over the years. The issue is currently complicated by cases pending before the Gauhati High Court, which have stayed eviction drives in certain areas.
As violence spread, the Assam government suspended mobile internet services in both Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts to prevent the spread of rumours and inflammatory messages. While mobile data services have been halted, voice calls and fixed-line broadband connections remain functional. Prohibitory orders under the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have also been imposed, banning gatherings and restricting movement during evening and night hours.
Director General of Police Harmeet Singh has been on the ground in Kheroni, directly engaging with protesters and appealing for calm. He was seen patrolling sensitive areas and warning that those involved in violence would face strict legal action.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he is closely monitoring the situation and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. Announcing the deployment of additional forces, including the Army, he said the government’s priority is to restore peace and resolve the issue through dialogue. A tripartite meeting involving the state government, local representatives and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council has been proposed to address the demands.
