Guwahati, December 26, 2025 – In a major breakthrough amid escalating tensions over illegal encroachments in West Karbi Anglong, a tripartite meeting chaired by Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma concluded on Friday with several pivotal decisions aimed at restoring peace and protecting tribal lands.
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma addressing the media post-meeting
The high-level talks at Janata Bhawan in Dispur involved Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang, protest leader Litchan Rongphar, and representatives from various Karbi organisations. The discussions addressed demands for evicting illegal settlers from Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands, following weeks of protests, including a hunger strike in Kheroni’s Phelangpi area.
KAAC CEM Tuliram Ronghang (left) and Protest Leader Litchan Rongphar
Speaking to the media afterward, CM Sarma outlined the resolutions: The KAAC will file an affidavit in the Guwahati High Court by January 5 regarding the pending VGR/PGR land ownership case. Karbi representatives will also join as a party to submit evidence, with the state government urging an expedited verdict.
Key measures include relocating government offices from Kheroni’s reserves, fencing and afforesting around 8,000 bighas of vacant land to prevent future encroachments, cancelling all trade licences on these lands, and launching evictions on other departmental lands in the district.
In a gesture of reconciliation, the KAAC will provide employment to a family member of the protester killed in police firing, supplemented by ₹10 lakh compensation from the state government.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for January 16-17, alongside fast-tracking approval of pending KAAC rules. “We are determined to establish lasting peace in Karbi Anglong,” Sarma affirmed.
Scenes from recent protests in West Karbi Anglong over land encroachments
Protest leader Litchan Rongphar expressed cautious optimism, stating decisions on vacant land conservation and licence cancellations were positive, but public satisfaction would be gauged through further consultations. He highlighted deeper concerns over Karbi identity, noting the community feels like a minority in its own homeland.
Karbi Raja Langtuk Terang welcomed the dialogue, saying earlier demands were ignored until the agitation intensified. “Evictions should start from January,” he added.
The meeting marks a crucial step toward de-escalating the unrest that recently turned violent, signalling hope for resolution in the tribal-dominated region.
