Guwahati, Dec 26:
The United Bengali Forum, Assam (UBFA) has submitted an urgent appeal to the Assam Chief Minister and the Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, seeking a lawful, humane and peaceful resolution to the ongoing land-related unrest in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts.
In the appeal, dated December 26, UBFA expressed deep concern over the recent violence triggered by land disputes in the Sixth Schedule area and warned that the prevailing situation could lead to irreversible humanitarian consequences if not addressed with restraint and sensitivity. While acknowledging the constitutional protection of tribal land under the Sixth Schedule, the forum emphasised that pending judicial proceedings and long-settled civil rights must be respected.
The organisation strongly condemned the killing of two persons at Kheroni during the recent unrest, describing the loss of innocent lives as deeply distressing and unacceptable in a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law. UBFA stated that abrupt or coercive actions in such a sensitive region could worsen inter-community mistrust and permanently disturb social harmony.
The appeal noted that a large number of affected families have been residing on the disputed land for decades, in many cases for generations, and possess revenue records, pattas, tax receipts or other official recognitions. It also pointed out that these families have established homes, livelihoods, schools and places of worship, and warned that any precipitate action could amount to a violation of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
Calling for restraint, UBFA urged the authorities to maintain status quo on eviction or coercive land actions until judicial proceedings reach finality. The forum advocated strict adherence to court processes and due procedure by all authorities and stressed the need for dialogue through a joint committee involving the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, state officials, affected communities and neutral civil society members.
The forum further called for case-by-case verification to distinguish recent encroachments from long-established habitations supported by documentary and possessory evidence. It underscored that no family should be displaced without lawful adjudication and humane rehabilitation.
UBFA also sought justice and relief for victims of the unrest, including exemplary punishment for those involved in killings, arson and looting, along with financial assistance of at least ₹20 lakh to the families of the deceased and compassionate appointment to an eligible next of kin. It further emphasised the need for educational support and rehabilitation measures for dependent family members.
In its conclusion, the United Bengali Forum, Assam stated that tribal rights, constitutional governance, judicial discipline and humanitarian compassion must go hand in hand. It asserted that only a lawful, restrained and empathetic approach can restore peace, trust and dignity in Karbi Anglong, and appealed for immediate and compassionate intervention by the authorities.
United Bengali Forum, Assam Urges Peaceful Resolution to Karbi Anglong Unrest, Seeks Judicial and Humanitarian Approach
