1 week ago
11
ARTICLE AD BOX
Police deployed during a protest between two groups at National Highway, in Kokrajhar on Tuesday; a vehicle set on fire (ANI Video Grab)
A communal flare-up following a car accident in Assam’s Kokrajhar on Monday night spiralled into violence on Tuesday, leading to the deployment of Rapid Action Force and prompting the state government to snap mobile internet services in the district.
The tensions, primarily in the Karigaon area of the Western Assam district, which is part of the Bodoland Territorial Region, stemmed from a road accident on Monday night, in which a vehicle carrying three people from the Bodo community hit two people from the Adivasi community.
“When the vehicle hit those two, others joined in to attack the people inside the vehicle,” said IGP (Law & Order) Akhilesh Singh.
One person, identified as Sikhna Jwhwlao Bismit, succumbed to injuries, while four are being treated at the Kokrajhar Medical College and Hospital.
“We detained 19 people at night and began the investigation. We are trying to explain to people to let the police handle this in line with the law, “ said Kokrajhar Superintendent of Police Akhat Garg.
However, tensions flared between the two communities, with people blocking the national highway adjacent to the Karigaon police outpost, burning tyres and a few houses, setting fire to an office building and attempting to attack the police outpost.
“On Tuesday, groups from both sides attempted to clash. Police used force against stone pelters. All efforts are currently engaged in keeping the situation under control,” said the IGP (L&O).
Story continues below this ad
The Home Department, meanwhile, issued a notification prohibiting mobile internet services in the entire district until further orders, citing apprehensions that “social media and internet may be used to spread inflammatory messages, rumours, etc that may lead to further aggravation of the situation”.
While issuing an appeal for peace, Bodoland Territorial Council chief Hagrama Mohilary alleged that a “third party” aggravated the situation to “take advantage” of this situation.
“There have been misunderstandings here. A third party is trying to take advantage and politicise this, which we cannot encourage. We have one appeal. Both Adivasis and Bodos are people of this region. We appeal to everyone to maintain peace. We have to live here together,” said Mohilary.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also appealed for peace: “I request the full cooperation of the leading figures of the society and political leaders. I urge everyone to assist the government in restoring peace and normalcy as soon as possible.”
Story continues below this ad
Through a separate notification, mobile internet services were also suspended in the adjoining BTR district of Chirang. “As a fallout of the incident occurring in Kokrajhar District, the turmoil is fast spreading to neighbouring BTR districts with every likelihood of creating a law and order situation in these districts as well,” states the order.
Sukrita Baruah is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Guwahati. From this strategic hub, she provides comprehensive, ground-level coverage of India's North East, a region characterized by its complex ethnic diversity, geopolitical significance, and unique developmental challenges. Expertise and Experience Ethnic & Social Dynamics: Deep-dive coverage of regional conflicts (such as the crisis in Manipur) and peace-building efforts. Border & Geopolitics: Tracking developments along India’s international borders and their impact on local communities. Governance & Policy: Reporting on state elections, tribal council decisions, and the implementation of central schemes in the North East. Specialized Education Background: Prior to her current role, Sukrita was a dedicated Education Correspondent for The Indian Express in Delhi. This experience provided her with a sharp analytical lens for: Policy Analysis: Evaluating the National Education Policy (NEP) and university-level reforms. Student Affairs: Covering high-stakes stories regarding campus politics, national entrance exams, and the challenges within the primary and secondary education sectors. ... Read More
Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
English (US) ·