HT Bureau
DIPHU, Aug 6: Expressing frustration with the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) over its handling of the eviction process for PGR/VGR land in Kheroni, West Karbi Anglong district, a large number of agitators, including many youths and women, staged a protest and took out ‘March to KAAC rally’ secretariat to present an ultimatum to the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of KAAC.
The rally, organised by leaders from various youth, student, and women’s organisations, featured figures such as Bishwajyoti Teron, Litsong Rongphar, Lonely Timungpi, Prisella Terangpi, KSA president Sumit Timung, and Angtong Engti Kathar.
Related Posts:
However, the demonstration turned violent at Rongnihang tiniali, in front of the East Division Forest Office, when police and security personnel attempted to redirect the rally away from Amllapati route and towards Sivbari road, leading to a confrontation.
Police used lathi-charges and live fire to disperse the crowd, resulting in several injuries.
The injured, including Angtong Engti Kathar, Alina Terangpi, Moromi Teronpi, Dongka, Sumit Timung, Mukrang Engleng, Jirsong Tisso, Jirsong Bey, and Lefarson Terang, were taken to Diphu Medical College and Hospital.
Speaking on the same, Kathar said that they have taken out the procession to submit an ultimatum to the KAAC authority to carry out an eviction drive in the PGR/VGR area.
“We have taken out the procession to submit an ultimatum to the KAAC authority to carry out an eviction drive in the PGR/VGR area. Why is the KAAC authority delaying the eviction process? he added.
As the rally reached Rongnihang Tiniali (in front of the East Division Forest office) from Birla, the protest turned violent.
Kathar, who was injured during the process, expressed his dissent over the armed forces action.
“It is very unfortunate that during our peaceful procession, the police and para-military personnel have adopted forceful tactics. The police and para-military forces have lathi-charge and kick us. They have not excluded women. Some of the police in action were drunk as we got the smell of liquor,” he stated.
Despite the police action, the protesters regrouped in front of Karbi Club, Rongnihang.
Kathar further criticised the KAAC for not moving forward with the eviction process despite a court order affecting only 22 families, while over 2,000 houses remain to be addressed. He also accused the police of using excessive force, including allegations of intoxicated officers.
The CEM, Tuliram Ronghang, later visited Rongnihang to address the crowd, asserting that the eviction process is ongoing, albeit in stages, and that legal challenges are being handled.
“I did not say I will not evict the encroachers. We are doing it step by step. Some have brought stay orders from the Guwahati High Court. I will continue to fight. This is my assurance,” the CEM stated as a token of assurance for the angry protestors.
