Guwahati, December 23, 2025 – Authorities in Assam have imposed an indefinite suspension of internet services across both Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts following escalating violence during protests over land eviction demands.
The shutdown, aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation and maintaining law and order, comes in the wake of clashes that saw protesters torch the ancestral residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang and engage in stone-pelting against security forces. Police resorted to firing, injuring several protesters and personnel.
The unrest stems from long-standing demands by indigenous Karbi groups for the eviction of alleged illegal encroachers from protected Village Grazing Reserves (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserves (PGR). Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remain in force, with additional security deployed to monitor the situation closely.
No fresh violence has been reported as of Tuesday, but tensions persist in areas like Kheroni and Dongkamukam. Assam Minister Ranoj Pegu has engaged with protesters, assuring tripartite talks to resolve the issue.
This internet blackout is part of broader measures to curb potential communal disturbances in the sensitive Sixth Schedule area.
