HT Correspondent
DONGKAMUKAM, Dec 23: Prominent political leaders and traditional representatives from Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong have come together to issue a strong appeal for peace and restraint following a violent escalation that led to the burning down of the ancestral residence of Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.
The incident has left the region in a state of tension, with security stepped up across sensitive areas as local leaders and the administration work to prevent any further flare-up.
The arson took place amid escalating protests over the eviction of settlers from Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands in the Kheroni area of West Karbi Anglong.
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According to reports, tensions sharply intensified after hunger strikers at the Phelangpi protest site were picked up by authorities in the early hours of Monday, December 22.
The timing of the police action triggered widespread resentment, as the protesters were reportedly scheduled to hold formal talks with the authorities later the same day.
The perceived breakdown of trust and dialogue is believed to have fuelled anger among sections of the protesters, culminating in the attack on the CEM’s ancestral property at Artukekang.
In an effort to calm the situation, an emergency peace meeting was convened at the Artukekang LP School playground, where senior political figures and traditional leaders addressed a large gathering of local residents.
Those present included Amar Sing Tisso, Member of Parliament from the No 3 ST Autonomous Parliamentary Constituency; Darsing Ronghang, MLA from Howraghat; and Longsing Ronghang, the traditional Karbi King.
Addressing the gathering, MP Amar Sing Tisso strongly condemned the act of arson, describing it as “an act of madness” that could derail years of peace-building efforts in the region.
He recalled the role played by CEM Tuliram Ronghang in stabilising Karbi Anglong in the past, particularly his contribution to bringing six armed organisations into the mainstream.
Emphasising the need for unity, Tisso said violence only hampers development and appealed to the government, civil society organisations and community leaders to work collectively to maintain peace and harmony.
Other speakers also echoed similar sentiments, urging people not to allow anger and rumours to deepen divisions, and stressed that all grievances related to land and eviction issues should be resolved through dialogue and constitutional means.
As of Tuesday, the overall situation in West Karbi Anglong remained tense but largely under control.
While private vehicles have started returning to the roads, a sense of caution continues to prevail.
Most shops, business establishments and commercial centres remain closed as residents remain wary in the aftermath of the violence.
The administration said security forces are maintaining a close watch on the situation and that efforts are underway to create a conducive atmosphere for the resumption of dialogue on the VGR and PGR land issues.
Authorities expressed hope that with continued engagement and restraint from all sides, normalcy would gradually return to the area.
