At least two people were killed and 45 others, including 38 police personnel, injured as fresh violence erupted in Assam’s trouble-torn Karbi Anglong district, after two groups of protesters clashed, prompting security forces to lathicharge and fire tear gas shells to disperse them, officials said. In the wake of these developments, the Assam government on Tuesday temporarily suspended internet services in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts.
Assam CM closely monitoring the situation
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said he is closely monitoring the violent situation in the West Karbi Anglong district. “I am closely monitoring the situation in West Karbi Anglong. It is deeply painful that two persons lost their lives during today’s unrest. Additional security forces will be deployed in Kherani tomorrow to maintain peace. We are in constant touch with all concerned to restore normalcy and resolve issues through dialogue. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The Government will stand with all affected families and provide all necessary support,” he said.
In an official order, the Home and Political Department said in the interest of maintaining greater public peace and tranquillity, and to prevent any deterioration of the present situation, internet services have been temporarily suspended.
The body of a 25-year-old specially abled youth, Suresh Dey, was recovered from a building that was set ablaze by the agitators while another person, identified as Athik Timung, was killed during the clash, a police officer said. The protesters have been demanding eviction of encroachers from tribal belts.
Suspension of Internet will remain in force until further orders
The suspension will remain in force until further orders. “It is, however, clarified that voice calls and broadband connectivity based on fixed telephone lines shall remain functional during this period,” the order stated.
48 policemen have been injured until now
Assam DGP Harmeet Singh says, "The government is talking to them, and a date has been set. They have burnt shops, and 48 policemen have been injured until now..."
The district magistrates of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts received reports regarding a serious law and order situation, and there is serious apprehension that there might be likelihood of breach of public peace and tranquility, it said.
Here’s what CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said on the matter
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had said the situation in Karbi Anglong was “very sensitive". "Senior minister Ranoj Pegu is present in the district. I believe the matter will be resolved soon," Sarma said on the sidelines of a programme.
Social media and internet may be used to further spread inflammatory messages and rumours, which may lead to further aggravation of the situation, the department’s Commissioner and Secretary Biswajit Pegu said in the order. Any violation of the promulgation will be punishable as per laws, it added.
Also Read:
Dhubri communal stir: Assam CM issues shoot-at-sight orders, 38 arrested over 'beef head' incident
