Protesters set fire to the residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang on Monday in a dramatic escalation of tensions over illegal settlement in the Sixth Schedule hill district.
Three protesters, one policeman, and a CRPF jawan were reportedly injured during the violence that erupted in Dongkamokam, Ronghang’s constituency located 26 kilometres from Kheroni.
The violence followed police detention of nine protesters late Friday night who had been on indefinite hunger strike for 16 days at Fealgpi in Kheroni area. Among those detained was Litsong Rongfar, a prominent face of the movement.
News of the detentions spread quickly, drawing angry villagers and supporters to the hunger strike site on Saturday morning. As crowds swelled, tensions escalated with protesters blocking roads and vandalizing vehicles and shops.
When protesters marched towards Dongkamokam, police resorted to blank firing to control the situation. The action further enraged demonstrators, with a section rushing towards CEM Ronghang’s residence and setting it ablaze.
The 16-day hunger strike demanded eviction of illegal settlers from Village Grant Reserves and Professional Grant Reserves in and around Kheroni. Protesters sought strengthened safeguards for indigenous Karbi people in the Sixth Schedule district.
Under Sixth Schedule provisions, land ownership and occupation by those outside the protected class is prohibited. Protesters allege vast tracts in Karbi Hills have been occupied by outsiders, particularly non-Karbis from outside Assam.
The situation remains tense as authorities work to restore order in the hill district.
