Guwahati, Dec 24: Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday expressed concern over the ongoing unrest in Assam’s Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts, calling on the state government to address the situation with sensitivity rather than force.

Gogoi noted on X that protesters set fire to the house of a BJP leader and close aide of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He also highlighted that one protester died from police firing, while several others—including demonstrators and police personnel—were injured. Mobile internet remains suspended in both districts.

“The Congress party in Assam shuns violence as a form of protest. We desire peace and urge everyone to remain calm,” Gogoi said, adding that indigenous people, ethnic communities, tribes, and local residents risk being sidelined under the current administration.

Assam DGP Harmeet Singh stated that violence achieves no objectives and reported 48 policemen injured during the unrest. Singh said the government is negotiating with the protesters and has scheduled a future meeting. He detailed how misinformation regarding a leader’s arrest escalated tensions, leading to attempts by protesters to seize a bridge and attacks on police with crude bombs, stones, bows, and arrows—events recorded on video for legal action.

The Assam government suspended internet and mobile data services on Tuesday following the breakdown of law and order in the districts.