Guwahati, Jan 21: The Indian Army has been deployed in sensitive areas of Assam’s Kokrajhar district after clashes between Bodo and Adivasi communities left two people dead, officials said on Wednesday.

Army personnel patrolled affected areas, including Karigaon and surrounding locations, alongside the district administration on Tuesday night. A defence spokesperson confirmed that four Army columns are active in the district, with a flag march scheduled for Wednesday to boost public confidence. Tight security measures are in place across Kokrajhar and neighbouring Chirang district, keeping the situation under control.

The violence began Monday night when a vehicle carrying three Bodo individuals struck two Adivasi persons on Mansingh Road under Karigaon police outpost. Adivasi villagers reportedly attacked the occupants and set the vehicle on fire, resulting in the immediate death of one Bodo individual; another succumbed to injuries on Tuesday, while three others are receiving treatment.

Tensions escalated on Tuesday as members of both communities blocked the national highway near Karigaon, burned tyres, set a government office on fire, and attacked the local police outpost. Police used baton charges and tear gas to disperse the protesters, injuring several protesters and personnel.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said arrangements for Army deployment had been made in advance, and the Rapid Action Force is already on the ground. Relief camps have been established at Karigaon High School and Gwajanpuri Amanpara High School for displaced villagers.

Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, remain in force across Kokrajhar, while internet and mobile data services continue to be suspended in both districts as a precaution.