Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday held an important round of talks in Guwahati as the tension in West Karbi Anglong began to ease after days of unrest. The meeting was attended by representatives of Karbi organisations, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council leadership and other community bodies. The discussions mainly focused on the situation in the Kheroni and Bokolia areas, where recent clashes had led to violence, death and damage to property.
Two young men had earlier lost their lives in police firing during the incidents, and several shops and houses were burnt in the unrest. Security forces, including the Army and paramilitary units, were deployed in the district, and flag marches were carried out to bring the situation under control.
After the meeting in Dispur, the Chief Minister said that the government would ensure that no one stays illegally on PGR and VGR land. He also said that all trade licences issued illegally on such land would be cancelled so that misuse does not happen in the future. He said that encroachment on government land by different departments or private individuals would also be reviewed, and eviction would be taken up where necessary, including in areas like Bokolia. 
The Chief Minister further announced that the families of those who died in police firing would receive financial assistance of ₹10 lakh from the state government. In addition, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council would provide a government job to the next of kin of the deceased. He also said that while the case related to the person who died in the fire incident would continue, other minor police cases linked to the unrest may be considered for general amnesty.
The government has also decided that rules related to land alienation and conduct of elections under the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council would be examined and brought fully in line with the law. The Chief Minister said that the High Court’s directions regarding the Kheroni area would be taken into account when the matter is heard in January.
A second round of talks is expected to be held around January 16 or 17 to review the progress made and to discuss further steps. The state government has said that its aim is to restore peace, protect lawful land rights and ensure that no further unrest takes place in West Karbi Anglong.
