Kheroni, West Karbi Anglong, December 22, 2025 – The situation in Kheroni, West Karbi Anglong district, turned highly volatile on Monday as protests over alleged encroachment on protected tribal lands escalated into violence, resulting in police firing, injuries, arson, and rising communal tensions.
According to reports, police opened fire to disperse agitated protesters, injuring three demonstrators. One police officer was also seriously injured during clashes between security forces and the crowd. The unrest further deteriorated the law and order situation in the area.
In a shocking development, the residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang was allegedly set on fire by hundreds of protesters. Incidents of arson were also reported near his house and at several non-Karbi residences, fueling fears of deepening communal divides as the crisis spiraled out of control.
Tensions reportedly surged after authorities obstructed an overnight hunger strike site and detained several protesters from Felangpi. Agitators accused police of treating civilians like militants, prompting widespread outrage. In retaliation, protesters imposed road blockades in Kheroni on Wednesday morning, demanding the immediate release of those detained.
Protesters have expressed growing frustration over the perceived silence of KAAC members, local MLAs, the Member of Parliament, and state-level leaders. They argue that safeguarding tribal land under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution is a duty, not a favor, and that the issue has expanded from Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) encroachments to broader concerns of institutional failure, insecurity, and fears of indigenous Karbis becoming a minority in their homeland.
The agitation originated from demands to evict alleged illegal settlers from PGR and VGR lands, which are constitutionally protected for exclusive use by indigenous tribal communities in this Sixth Schedule district.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, but the protests show no signs of abating as calls for accountability intensify.
