The following statement has been issued by CPI(M) Assam State Committee on December 24, 2025, on the violence in West Karbi Anglong district of Assam:

The Assam Government and the BJP-run Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) are squarely responsible for the unrest and violence that have engulfed West Karbi Anglong district over December 21–23, 2025. Highly aggressive and provocative mobilisation by different sections of the population, marked by intimidation and confrontational posturing, created an extremely volatile situation. Instead of addressing the genuine grievances of the people through dialogue and discussion, the government adopted an authoritarian approach and attempted to suppress democratic protest. This triggered unrest in the Kheroni area, which subsequently spread to other parts of the district, leading to a sharp escalation of tension and widespread fear and instability.

The CPI(M) reiterates that the constitutional safeguards provided under the Sixth Schedule—relating to land rights, political representation, economic development, and the protection of the distinct identity of tribal communities such as the Karbi, Kuki, and Dimasa—must be strictly adhered to in the Sixth Schedule Autonomous Councils. Under BJP rule, however, apprehensions among local tribal communities regarding the steady erosion of these safeguards have intensified, giving rise to widespread discontent and insecurity.

The recent developments in West Karbi Anglong represent the inevitable outcome of long-accumulated resentment against the openly corporate-oriented and authoritarian policies of the Assam Government and the arbitrary functioning of the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the KAAC, Tuliram Ronghang. CEM Ronghang is widely regarded as one of the closest political associates of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and together they embody a growing nexus between the ruling establishment and corporate interests. Acting in concert, they have weakened the spirit and intent of the Sixth Schedule by facilitating corporate access to land and resources, thereby undermining the constitutional rights, land security, and livelihoods of indigenous communities. Ronghang’s tenure has been marked by widespread allegations of massive corruption and the accumulation of enormous wealth and properties through corrupt means.

Earlier, various organisations had carried out peaceful protest actions opposing the proposed eviction of local tribal communities such as the Karbi and Dimasa and the government’s plans to transfer thousands of bighas of land in the hill districts to large corporate houses like Adani and Ambani. The government, however, showed complete indifference to these democratic protests. More recently, when sections of the Karbi people were observing a peaceful hunger strike for fifteen consecutive days demanding eviction of 'encroachments' from Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands, the government failed to initiate any dialogue. Instead, in the dead of night on December 21, the 16th day of continuing protest, the police forcibly picked up some of the protesters from the hunger-strike site under the pretext of medical examination. Rather than arranging treatment at Diphu Medical College—the nearest medical college—or at nearby government hospitals, the police transported them to Guwahati for reasons best known to the administration. This coercive action directly precipitated a rapid deterioration of the situation.

On December 22, hundreds of agitated people set fire to the ancestral residence of Tuliram Ronghang at Donkamukam, and clashes erupted between tribal communities and non-tribal population belonging to different linguistic groups. The district and state administration, along with the police force, displayed a complete failure to maintain law and order. Police firing resulted in the death of one Karbi youth and injuries to few others. The Assam State Committee of the CPI(M) strongly condemns the police firing and demands a high-level impartial inquiry into the incident.

The Party also expresses deep grief over the tragic death of a physically disabled youth belonging to the Bengali community when shops and houses were set on fire by miscreants at Kheroni Bazaar. The Party condemns this inhuman act in the strongest terms and demands strict action against those responsible.

At the same time, the CPI(M) unequivocally condemns the racist and provocative slogans such as “Go Back Karbi” and “Go Back Chinki/Chinese Karbi” raised by a section of non-tribal elements from the Karbi soil during the peak of the tension. The raising of saffron slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram” by some of these groups exposes the political patronage and backing enjoyed by such forces from the ruling party and clearly points to an attempt to deepen ethnic polarisation.

The CPI(M) strongly condemns the divisive and polarising policies of the BJP-led state government that have deliberately fostered fear, mistrust, and conflict among communities. The Party firmly believes that the complex problems of Karbi Anglong and other autonomous hill districts cannot be resolved through repression or coercive measures. Meaningful dialogue with the Karbis and other tribal communities, along with sincere efforts to address their legitimate demands, remains the only viable path to a durable and peaceful resolution.

The Party further demands that the state government immediately and clearly spell out its policy regarding eviction and rehabilitation of settlers residing in PGR and VGR lands.

The CPI(M) appeals to all sections of the people to uphold unity, harmony, and peace and to resist all attempts to divide society along ethnic or narrow nationalistic lines. The Party demands that the state government and KAAC leadership immediately initiate discussions with both tribal and non-tribal organisations of the Autonomous Council area, objectively examine the legitimacy of the demands raised by the local tribes, and take concrete steps towards a democratic and peaceful resolution of the problems. Ensuring the safety and security of all residents and protecting life and property is the constitutional responsibility of the government.