2 killed, 38 policemen among 45 injured in violence-hit Karbi Anglong

At least two persons were killed and over 45 others, including 38 police personnel, were injured as fresh violence erupted in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on Tuesday following clashes between two groups of protesters, officials said.
According to police, the body of a 25-year-old specially abled youth, identified as Suresh Dey, was recovered from a building that was set ablaze by agitators. Another person, Athik Timung, died during the clashes.
The unrest occurred amid protests demanding eviction of encroachers from tribal belts, including Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed grief over the loss of lives and said he was closely monitoring the situation in West Karbi Anglong.
DGP Harmeet Singh said security forces were compelled to lathicharge and fire tear gas shells after protesters from both sides resorted to stone-pelting, hurling crude bombs, shooting arrows and torching shops.
“Thirty-eight police personnel, including IPS officers, were injured. I was also hit by a stone,” he said, warning of stern action if violence continued.
Despite prohibitory orders, large crowds gathered at Kheroni market area, including shop owners whose establishments were burnt earlier.
The situation spiralled when clashes broke out between rival groups.
Additional security forces were deployed, while internet services in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts were temporarily suspended to prevent further escalation.
The agitators, belonging to several political and social organisations, had been on a 15-day hunger strike demanding eviction of alleged illegal settlers, mostly from Bihar. The strike was called off earlier on Tuesday following talks with senior minister Ranoj Pegu, who assured tripartite talks on the issue.