"Karbi Chinese Go Back” slogans trigger fresh flashpoint as Karbi Anglong reels from land protests

Protests in Karbi Anglong escalated as non-tribal residents allegedly raised slogans of “Karbi Chinese go back” against the indigenous Karbi community. The Kheroni region has remained volatile following clashes that have left at least two people dead and several others seriously injured.

The unrest underscores deep divisions between indigenous Karbis and non-tribal settlers in the district. The Karbi community has been demanding the eviction of what they describe as illegal settlers, alleging that unchecked encroachment threatens their land, identity, and survival. The issue is particularly sensitive because Karbi Anglong falls under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides special protections for tribal areas and restricts land ownership to indigenous communities.

Violence erupted during protests by Karbi tribal groups seeking the removal of alleged encroachers from the Professional Grazing Reserve and Village Grazing Reserve lands. During the agitation, several shops, houses, and other establishments in Kheroni and nearby localities were reportedly set on fire. The ancestral residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang at Dongkamukam was also allegedly targeted.

In response, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders and suspended mobile internet services across Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts. Additional contingents of police and central forces were deployed to restore normalcy. Official sources confirmed that at least two persons were killed and several others injured during the clashes over the past two days, although no fresh incidents have been reported since the enhanced security deployment.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is closely monitoring the situation and has reiterated that land-related disputes must be resolved through dialogue and democratic processes. The state government has announced that tripartite talks involving the government, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, and representatives of the protesters will be held on December 26 to address the underlying issues and ensure lasting peace in the region.