Four people, including a police personnel, were injured in police firing after violent clashes broke out in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on Monday, following protests over alleged illegal encroachment on grazing reserve land.

The situation escalated in Donkamokam after protesters torched the old residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang. Fire services later extinguished the fire at the vacant house, which sustained extensive damage. Additional security forces were deployed in the area to prevent further unrest.

The violence followed earlier clashes in Kheroni, where police attempted to disperse groups staging a hunger strike for the past 12 days. The protesters were demanding eviction of alleged encroachers from Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) land.

In response to the unrest, authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts. The orders prohibit public gatherings of five or more persons, rallies, public meetings, and the circulation of provocative statements through any medium. Karbi Anglong District Magistrate Nirola Phangchopi also imposed a night curfew from 5 pm to 6 am, restricting movement during these hours.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said rumours of arrests were incorrect and confirmed that the hunger strikers were shifted to Gauhati Medical College Hospital for medical treatment. He stated that a Gauhati High Court stay order is currently in place, halting eviction drives in the area. Director General of Police Harmeet Singh reached Diphu to hold talks with stakeholders to restore calm.

Tuliram Ronghang said the matter related to land eviction is sub judice, citing a court petition that has stayed earlier clearance operations.

Officials said efforts are underway to stabilise the situation, with prohibitory orders to remain in force until further notice.