Guwahati, Dec 23 (NationPress) The law enforcement situation in Assam's West Karbi Anglong district remains tense as of Tuesday evening, following reports of new arson incidents amid ongoing unrest. Authorities have responded by reinforcing security measures to restore order.

Assam's Director General of Police, Harmeet Singh, who has been actively present in the affected area, urged demonstrators to maintain calm and collaborate with law enforcement.

He assured that the police are vigilantly tracking developments and implementing actions to avert further escalation.

To ensure public safety and protect property, additional security personnel have been stationed at critical areas throughout the district.

Senior police officials are engaging directly with protesting groups and community leaders to de-escalate tensions through constructive dialogue.

Singh warned of stringent actions against those participating in violence, stating that those responsible for the destruction of shops and other criminal activities would be identified and prosecuted under the law.

“Any form of violence will be met with immediate consequences,” the DGP asserted.

Prohibitory measures under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita are still in effect in Kheroni and surrounding areas, which are heavily monitored by security forces.

Officials indicated that restrictions on gatherings are essential for preventing further disturbances and maintaining peace in the region.

State Minister Ranoj Pegu also called on all community members to exercise restraint and avoid violent actions, stressing that dialogue is the path towards resolution.

He cautioned against falling victim to rumors and misinformation that could further exacerbate tensions.

A tripartite dialogue involving key stakeholders is slated for December 26, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, to address the underlying issues contributing to the unrest.

The state government is optimistic that these discussions will yield a peaceful resolution and foster long-term stability in the district.

Despite the ongoing tensions, senior officials maintain that the situation is under control, with coordinated efforts being made to stabilize conditions and gradually restore normalcy in West Karbi Anglong.

On Monday, at least four individuals were injured when police opened fire to manage a violent protest in Karbi Anglong, where demonstrators set fire to the residence of the Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang, and various commercial establishments in the Kheroni area.

Reports indicate that violence began at Kheroni Bazaar, where protesters ignited approximately 15 shops and attempted to assault the local police station. Security forces successfully repelled the mob to avert further destruction, but clashes escalated when demonstrators allegedly hurled stones and resorted to arson, compelling police to open fire to disperse the crowd.

The protesters, associated with multiple political and social organizations, have been on a hunger strike for 12 days, demanding the eviction of encroachers from the Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong. They assert that many of the alleged encroachers are from Bihar and have unlawfully occupied designated grazing land.

The immediate catalyst for the clash was a police attempt to disband the protesters from the Kheroni area, igniting violent confrontations. During the police action, three protesters and a police officer suffered injuries from the gunfire.

In the midst of the turmoil, protesters claimed that police had detained three individuals involved in the hunger strike. However, KAAC CEM Tuliram Ronghang clarified that those individuals were not arrested but were receiving medical care at the Gauhati Medical College Hospital.

As word of the clash spread, another group of protesters reportedly set fire to the former residence of the KAAC chief at Donkamokam, further escalating tensions. In response, security forces have been deployed in significant numbers across sensitive locations to prevent further violence.