Karbi leader Litsong Rongphor flags crisis; Post-1951 trade licences to go

Karbi leader Litsong Rongphor on December 26 said the situation in Karbi Anglong has become extremely critical in the wake of recent violence and alleged atrocities, even as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that delays by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council in legal proceedings had stalled resolution of the long-pending land disputes.

Speaking after the tripartite meeting held in Guwahati on December 26, Rongphor, who was part of the talks, said the unrest in the district was a reflection of deep public anger and long-standing grievances that had not been adequately addressed. 

He said the state government, during the meeting, agreed to cancel all trade licences issued after 1951, a key demand raised by Karbi organisations in connection with the protection of tribal land and rights.

Rongphor said the government had also agreed in principle to evict outsiders occupying departmental and reserve lands, including areas under Professional Grazing Reserve and Village Grazing Reserve. He noted that the situation on the ground remained tense and fragile, and stressed that Karbi society would collectively review the decisions taken before deciding whether they were satisfied with the outcome. He added that the movement was being led by the Karbi people as a whole and not by any single organisation or political party.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing the media after the meeting, said the discussions had brought to light a crucial issue that had contributed to the prolonged uncertainty. He said the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council had failed to file its affidavit before the Gauhati High Court for the last two years, which significantly delayed judicial resolution of the PGR-VGR land dispute.

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The Chief Minister said that had the affidavit been filed on time, the matter could have been resolved much earlier. He added that the council has now been directed to file the affidavit before January 5 to remove all legal ambiguity. Sarma expressed hope that once this procedural lapse is corrected, the High Court would be able to take up the matter expeditiously.

The meeting was convened in the backdrop of violent protests in parts of West Karbi Anglong, which left at least two people dead, several injured and widespread damage to property. The unrest was triggered by demands from Karbi organisations for eviction of alleged encroachers from reserve and departmental lands, an issue that has remained sensitive due to Karbi Anglong’s Sixth Schedule status.

The Chief Minister said the government is committed to standing with the people of Karbi Anglong and resolving the issues amicably through dialogue, legal clarity and administrative action. 

Another round of talks is scheduled in mid-January to review progress on the decisions taken and address remaining concerns, even as security forces continue to maintain vigil in sensitive areas to prevent further escalation.