Assam News: Violence continued unabated in Kheroni, near the western banks of the Kopili River, on Tuesday as unrest spilled into the daily bazaar, plunging the area into chaos. Angry protesters went on a rampage, vandalising shops, smashing windows, looting goods, and leaving debris scattered across the marketplace. Eyewitnesses reported that the crowd grew larger after Education Minister Ranoj Pegu left the area, having assured protesters that the government would convene a tripartite meeting involving local agitators and members of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).
Police Use Lathi Charge and Tear Gas
As tensions escalated, the police were forced to resort to lathi charge and tear gas shelling to disperse the mob. Locals reported that protesters set tyres ablaze to express their anger and block roads, causing fires at multiple locations. Thick smoke enveloped the area as terrified residents fled, while shopkeepers hurriedly closed their establishments. The once-bustling marketplace turned into a flashpoint of violence, with the situation remaining highly volatile and unpredictable.
DGP Steps In to Restore Calm
Director General of Police (DGP) Harmeet Singh has been present on the ground, patrolling streets and engaging directly with protesters to calm tempers. Speaking to a group, he urged them to refrain from stone-pelting and further violence, saying, “I have been speaking to all of you since last night. Now that everything is settled, why are you creating this scene?” Singh also referred to earlier incidents, including the torching of three motorcycles, one belonging to a policeman, warning that those responsible would face strict legal action. While the administration has not released an official statement, unconfirmed reports indicate that several people, including security personnel, may have been injured.
Background and Ongoing Tensions
The violence follows a period of unrest triggered by a hunger strike by Karbi residents that began on December 6. When several protesters fell ill and were taken for medical treatment, misinformation about their arrest reportedly ignited the clashes. On Monday, four people were injured in police firing after protesters went on a rampage, torching KAAC chief Ronghang’s old residence in Donkamokam and around 15 shops, and attempting to attack a police station. Despite prohibitory orders under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), hundreds of people continued to defy restrictions, leaving the situation in Kheroni tense and volatile.
