A tense and volatile situation prevailed across Kheroni and several surrounding areas of West Karbi Anglong district on Monday after violent protests erupted over the long-pending issue of eviction from Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) land. The unrest prompted the district administration to impose Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), enforcing strict curbs on movement, public gatherings and activities.
According to officials and local reports, large-scale violence broke out in Kheroni and Hamren, while several houses were set on fire in Donkamokam. Parked vehicles along the highway were also torched. Shops, residential houses and other properties were damaged in the arson attacks, creating panic among residents and forcing many to stay indoors.
In view of the worsening law-and-order situation, prohibitory orders were enforced across the district. Under Section 163, public processions have been banned, gatherings of more than five people are not allowed, and the use of loudspeakers or motorcycles without prior permission has been prohibited. Authorities have also banned public speeches, posters and banners. The restrictions remain in force from 5 pm to 6 am, during which no person is allowed to move outside. Night-time movement of private vehicles has also been stopped. 
Earlier in the day, violent protesters allegedly set fire to the residence of the Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. Later in the evening, the residence of Tuliram Ronghang was also torched, further escalating tensions. To control the situation, police fired shots in the air to disperse the crowd. Clashes between protesters and security forces left three people injured, including a police personnel.
The unrest is linked to a prolonged movement demanding eviction of alleged non-Karbi settlers from PGR and VGR land. Although the demand has been pending for years, the administration has not been able to act due to a stay order issued by the High Court. An indefinite hunger strike was also launched by protesters, and the district administration had invited the hunger strikers for talks scheduled for Monday.
However, the situation took a sharp turn in the early hours when police removed protesters from the hunger strike site around 3 am. Soon after, large numbers of people poured onto the streets in protest, triggering widespread violence.
The Director General of Police and Ranoj Pegu are present in the area to oversee security arrangements. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he is personally monitoring the developments and has directed senior officials to take all necessary steps to restore normalcy.
