An uneasy calm has returned to parts of West Karbi Anglong district in Assam after violent clashes between Karbi and Bihari communities over land disputes, officials said Thursday. No fresh incidents were reported as security forces maintained a strong presence in sensitive areas.

The clashes erupted over allegations that Hindi-speaking settlers had encroached on Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands in tribal regions. District authorities confirmed that Assam Police, Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Indian Army personnel continue to patrol affected areas.

Funerals for the two victims were conducted peacefully Wednesday night. Suresh Dey, a specially-abled youth, died after his house-cum-shop was set on fire, while Karbi youth Athik Timung was killed in police firing. The Kheroni area, home to Bihari, Bengali, Nepali, and Karbi residents, was among the hardest-hit zones.

Officials said prohibitory orders and mobile internet suspension remain in place, even as residents gradually resume normal activities.

The violence followed a 15-day Karbi hunger strike demanding the eviction of alleged illegal settlers, mostly from Bihar, from VGR and PGR lands in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts. Protests escalated Monday after police removed three agitators, later explained as a medical transfer, resulting in widespread unrest Tuesday. Over 70 people, including more than 60 police personnel, were injured in the violence.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that immediate eviction of alleged encroachers is not possible due to a Gauhati High Court stay. Army columns of 60–80 personnel conducted flag marches in affected areas to maintain law and order.