KAAC announces eviction drive in Karbi Anglong land dispute

In a key step towards resolving the protracted land issue in Karbi Anglong, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Dr. Tuliram Ronghang, announced plans to initiate eviction measures following a high-powered committee meeting held in Diphu on Monday.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Dr. Ronghang said the KAAC will file an affidavit in the Gauhati High Court on January 5, 2026, as directed in pending cases concerning Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands. Starting December 30, 2025, eviction notices will be served to identify residents, allowing a 15-day period to vacate. However, the process will exclude 339 individuals who have filed writ petitions in the Gauhati HC, with actions stayed pending judicial outcome. The announcement builds on outcomes from the December 26 tripartite talks involving the Assam government, KAAC, and Karbi representatives, which included commitments to cancel of trading licenses to non-tribals, fence vacant reserves, and clear disputed and departmental lands. Youth leader and activist Litsong Rongphar, representing protesting organisations, also spoke to reporters, noting the government’s pledges on license cancellations, eviction drives, and fencing. “We will consult our community to assess if these measures fully meet our demands for safeguarding indigenous rights,” he said, adding that the situation remains critical but offers hope, with further talks slated for mid-January.
The developments aim to ease tensions following recent unrest in West Karbi Anglong over alleged illegal settlements on protected grazing lands.