65 per cent of 'non tribal' population claims baseless: Assam CM on Karbi Anglong unrest

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on December 23, commented on the violence that erupted in Kheroni, asserting that eviction and conflict cannot be pursued through force and must instead be addressed through dialogue within a democratic framework.

Speaking on the situation, Sarma said there is a perception among sections of the Karbi community that Karbi Anglong’s population comprises only 35 per cent Karbis, while the remaining 65 per cent belong to non tribal communities, leading to demands for eviction. He questioned the authenticity of such figures.

“Karbi people are saying they are only 35 per cent and others are 65 per cent, so they feel others should be evicted. They are talking about VGR, PGR and government land being taken. But no one knows where this 35 per cent data has come from,” the Chief Minister said.

Village Grazing Reserves (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserves (PGR) are designated land categories in Assam traditionally reserved for livestock grazing, VGRs for village cattle and PGRs for broader or commercial use. In recent years, these lands have frequently witnessed encroachment, prompting eviction drives and competing claims over land use and settlement.

Emphasising the need for consultation, Sarma said the government would engage with all stakeholders to arrive at a solution. “We will sit with them and have dialogue. We have to discuss this with everyone and bring a solution,” he said.

The Chief Minister also made it clear that violence and forced evictions would not be tolerated. “The way they are trying to do this is not possible. We cannot kill people and evict them,” he said, adding that while Assam opposes illegal immigration, any action must remain within constitutional limits.

“In Assam, we don’t like illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, but we cannot beat them and evict them. India is a democratic country, and everything has to be done through democratic rules,” Sarma said.

He added that the government is closely monitoring the situation in Kheroni and expressed hope that conditions would improve through dialogue and lawful intervention.

Meanwhile, police on December 23 said there were no reports of fresh violence in Karbi Anglong district, a day after protests over alleged encroachment escalated into arson and clashes with security forces. Authorities said prohibitory orders remained in force in Karbi Anglong and neighbouring West Karbi Anglong, while a night curfew from 5 pm to 6 am continued across Karbi Anglong to prevent further unrest. Movement of individuals, groups and private vehicles remained restricted during curfew hours.

Violence broke out on December 22, in Kheroni after protesters demanding the eviction of alleged encroachers from PGR and VGR land turned violent. Protesters set fire to the residence of the chief of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and around 15 shops in Kheroni Bazaar. Four people were injured in police firing as security forces attempted to control the mob.