Violence-Hit Karbi Anglong Limping Back To Normal

Guwahati : Amid the call of low-key celebration of Christmas, the violence-hit Karbi Anglong is limping back to normalcy with the state government convening a tripartite talks on Friday to resolve the conflict and pacify the simmering tension.

Hundreds of displaced non-tribal residents, mostly Hindi-speaking villagers on Thursday came to Kheroni in central Assam’s Karbi Anglong on Thursday to see their houses set on fire during the mob violence on Wednesday. The worst-hit Kheroni area in the district houses people from Bihari, Bengali and Nepali communities apart from the Karbis.

The Karbi and Bihari communities have been at loggerheads in West Karbi Anglong district over allegations of encroachment on Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands in the tribal belts by the Hindi-speaking people.

Security sources keeping a close watch on the situation said that the situation was improving very fast but prohibitory order and suspension of mobile internet services would remain in effect.

Pointing out that the state administration was frequently reviewing the ground situation, security sources said that people displaced from their respective places during the violence are returning to their homes.

In view of the prevailing situation, the United Christian Forum of Karbi Anglong has advised churches to keep celebrations low-key and avoid activities after nightfall. Churches have been requested not to organise night-time carol programmes or hold celebrations outside church premises, as prohibitory orders on public gatherings continue to remain in force.

The unrest broke out on Tuesday after a protest by Karbi tribal groups demanding the eviction of non-tribals from village grazing reserves (VGR) and professional grazing reserves (PGR) areas turned violent, leading to the deaths of two people. The incident has cast a pall over the festive season in a district where Christians form a significant section of the population.

UCF Assam spokesperson Allen Brooks said that the situation has affected the overall festive mood. He noted that concerns and apprehensions remain high, prompting the Christian community to prioritise safety over large celebrations this Christmas.

In an appeal issued by the UCF Karbi Anglong, churches were asked to strictly follow the prohibitory order imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in the aftermath of the violence. With more than 300 churches spread across the district, the organisation urged congregations to hold programmes during daylight hours and avoid visiting homes or travelling at night.

The advisory also called upon people to avoid making provocative statements and to focus on prayers for peace and harmony. Stressing the spiritual essence of the festival, the UCF said Christmas is about reflection, reconciliation and restoring relationships, rather than large gatherings or festivities.

In a separate public message, the UCF appealed to residents of West Karbi Anglong and Karbi Anglong to refrain from further violence and escalation. It urged that any form of protest should remain peaceful and democratic, keeping public safety and communal harmony in mind.