Karbi Anglong Erupts: Arson, Riots, Deaths Amidst Settler Tensions in Assam

• West Karbi Anglong witnessed widespread arson, rioting, and destruction, forcing Bihari and Bengali families to flee their homes and businesses.
• The violence claimed two lives: Suraj Dey, a disabled Bengali resident, and Athik Timung, allegedly part of a Karbi mob clashing with police.
• Tensions stem from long-standing disputes over alleged encroachment by non-Karbi settlers on tribal-protected VGR/PGR land in the Sixth Schedule district.
• A hunger strike demanding evictions, followed by police action and rumors, ignited the recent violence, escalating into attacks on shops and homes.
• Karbi organizations demand land security, while settlers, some with decades of presence, face hostility and legal battles over their right to stay.

Why It Matters: Karbi Anglong violence highlights deep-seated land disputes and ethnic tensions, leading to destruction and loss of life.