Assam Cabinet Minister Pijush Hazarika attributed the violence in Kheroni, Karbi Anglong on December 22 to misinformation and a misunderstanding among the populace, emphasizing the need for peace and unity. He assured that as clarity emerges, the situation will improve. Hazarika highlighted the importance of communal harmony and respect for the rights of both the Karbi people and other indigenous communities, advocating for collective peaceful progress. Meanwhile, the Karbi community, which had been on an indefinite hunger strike since December 6 over demands for indigenous land rights protection, ended their protest after the Assam government’s assurances. Minister Ranoj Pegu acknowledged the concerns surrounding land rights, emphasizing the need for responsible consideration and constitutional resolution.
Pegu clarified that land administration in Karbi Anglong is governed by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and that the state government does not directly control land in Sixth Schedule areas. He noted ongoing disputes regarding land parcels, pressing for a formal meeting with stakeholders to resolve these issues. Despite the assurance and temporary calm, unrest resurfaced in Karbi Anglong, with thousands defying prohibitory orders, causing property damage and increased tensions. Assam’s Director General of Police, Harmit Singh, visited the area to oversee security measures and restore normalcy, while authorities called for public restraint and vigilance against misinformation.