Section 163 Imposed in West Karbi Anglong After Protests
The Assam administration has imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in parts of West Karbi Anglong following violent protests linked to demands over grazing land rights. The prohibitory order was enforced after demonstrations escalated into clashes and incidents of arson, prompting authorities to act to maintain public order.
According to officials, the restrictions came into force after protesters demanding eviction of alleged encroachers from Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands clashed with security personnel. During the unrest, a mob allegedly set fire to the ancestral house of Tuliram Ronghang, the Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, in the Dongkamukam area. Several people sustained injuries during stone-pelting and confrontations.
Restrictions and Security Measures
Under Section 163, the district administration has prohibited the assembly of five or more people, public meetings, rallies, and processions. The order also restricts the carrying of weapons and the use of loudspeakers without prior permission. Security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas to prevent further violence and ensure law and order.
Officials said the move was preventive in nature and aimed at stopping the spread of unrest. Emergency services and officials on duty have been exempted from the restrictions.
Background to the Unrest
The protests are rooted in long-standing demands by sections of the local population seeking the removal of alleged illegal encroachments from protected grazing lands, which are crucial for livestock and rural livelihoods. These demands have periodically surfaced in the district, but tensions intensified in recent days following stalled administrative action.
Appeal for Calm
The district administration has appealed to residents to maintain peace and resolve grievances through dialogue. Authorities said investigations are underway into the violence and assured that those responsible for arson and attacks would face legal action.
