Guwahati, Aug: 7: A violent clash broke out in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on Tuesday, leaving 44 people injured, including nine police personnel. The incident occurred when protestors demanding the removal of illegal settlers from Professional and Village Grazing Reserves (PGR and VGR) deviated from their permitted route, prompting security forces to baton charge and fire in the air.

The protestors, comprising members of the Karbi Students Association and ASDC’s youth wing, retaliated by pelting stones at the police. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the clash, according to Karbi Superintendent of Police Sanib Kumar Saikia.

This is the second such incident in recent months, following a previous clash in February. The contentious issue of land encroachment is currently pending in the Gauhati High Court, with the protestors demanding eviction of illegal settlers from PGR and VGR land in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts.

The situation remains tense in the region, with security forces on high alert to prevent further violence.