Violence in Karbi Anglong (Pic: PTI)
The Assam government on Sunday lifted the ban on mobile internet services that was imposed following violent protests in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong over demands for the eviction of settlers.
Following the escalation, the Assam government had invoked Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, along with the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, to prohibit Internet/Mobile Data Services in the districts with immediate effect on December 23.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Political Department issued a notification lifting the ban, citing an improved and normalised law and order situation. “All Mobile Service Providers operating in the districts of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong are hereby directed to restore Internet/Mobile Data Services with effect from 8:00 AM on December 28,” the order read.
The protests were triggered by demands to evict illegal encroachers from Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands in the hilly district. Demonstrators set the house of the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) on fire.
Protesters also pelted stones and attacked security personnel, forcing the police to fire blanks to bring the situation under control near Dongkamukam in the West Karbi Anglong district.
At least 173 personnel of the Assam Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) sustained injuries during incidents on December 22-23. According to an Assam Police post on X, 139 personnel received first aid at the scene, while 33 were transported to hospitals for further treatment.
Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma chaired a meeting at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati with representatives of various Karbi organisations, civil society members, and functionaries of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.
The discussions focused on issues surrounding the recent protests in Kheroni, including the VGR and PGR land disputes currently before a Division Bench of the Gauhati High Court.
The Chief Minister stated that the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council will file an affidavit in the first week of January, while Karbi civil society will present its views as a party to the case. The state government will request an expeditious hearing and early verdict. Appropriate actions will be taken based on the court’s decision.
Additionally, all government offices currently located on VGR/PGR land in Kheroni will be relocated to alternative sites at the earliest. The Chief Minister also announced that the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council will cancel the licences of all commercial establishments operating on VGR/PGR land immediately.
(With Inputs From ANI)
Aishwarya is a journalism graduate with over three years of experience thriving in the buzzing corporate media world. She’s got a knack for decoding business news, tracking the twists and turns of the stock market, covering the masala of the entertainment world, and sometimes her stories come with just the right sprinkle of political commentary. She has worked with several organizations, interned at ZEE and gained professional skills at TV9 and News24, And now is learning and writing at NewsX, she’s no stranger to the newsroom hustle. Her storytelling style is fast-paced, creative, and perfectly tailored to connect with both the platform and its audience. Moto: Approaching every story from the reader’s point of view, backing up her insights with solid facts.
Always bold with her opinions, she also never misses the chance to weave in expert voices, keeping things balanced and insightful. In short, Aishwarya brings a fresh, sharp, and fact-driven voice to every story she touches.
Cyclone Gezani: Madagascar is reeling after a powerful storm tore through the island nation, leaving…
Bengaluru: A road rage incident in Bengaluru took a dangerous turn after an SUV driver…
Hug Day 2026: As Valentine’s Week nears its finale, February 12 is celebrated as Hug…
