Assam: Kokrajhar on edge after brutal killing of youth sparks arson, violent protests; 29 detained

Kokrajhar district in western Assam has been gripped by intense unrest following the brutal killing of a young man, triggering widespread protests, arson, and a breakdown of normal life along key transport corridors. The incident has sparked a volatile law-and-order situation, prompting heightened security deployment as authorities struggle to restore calm amid mounting public anger and political mobilisation. The death toll in the ensuing incident has risen to two.

Meanwhile, the deceased youths have been identified as Sunil Murmu and Sikhna Jwhwlao Bismit. Sunil Murmu was among the protesters who were injured in the ensuing protest that was triggered following the death of the youth Sikhna Jwhwlao, who was brutally killed, following a violent clash between two groups.

Public outrage spilled onto the Karigaon stretch of the National Highway, where agitated residents staged road blockades, paralysing vehicular movement and disrupting daily life. As tensions escalated, protesters allegedly set fire to two temporary camps of the Birsa Commando Force and vandalised multiple properties, including the Sidu Kanhu Bhawan. Several shops were also reportedly torched, raising fears of further escalation.

The situation remains extremely tense, with a heavy police presence deployed across sensitive areas. Senior officials are monitoring the developments closely as law enforcement agencies continue efforts to prevent the violence from spreading.

The unrest stems from a gruesome incident reported on Monday, January 19, at Gaur Nagar, located barely 1 to 1.5 kilometres from the Karigaon Police Outpost. According to preliminary information, a road accident led to an altercation that spiralled out of control, with an enraged mob allegedly beating to death a youth identified as Sikhna Jwhwlao Bismit.

The deceased was the son-in-law of Baronda Basumatary, a contractor engaged in road construction work in the region. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, intensifying demands for accountability and swift justice.

Several individuals, including Yugiraj Brahma and Prabhat Brahma, sustained injuries during the violence. A Scorpio vehicle was also set ablaze at the site of the incident.

Amid the growing unrest, the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) has threatened to enforce a BTC bandh on Tuesday, warning that protests will continue until justice is delivered to the victim’s family.

Police have confirmed that 29 individuals have been detained so far in connection with the killing and the subsequent violence. Investigations are underway, even as authorities remain on high alert to prevent further flare-ups in the already fragile situation