Diphu, Dec 23: At least two people were killed and 45 others, including 38 police personnel, were injured in violent clashes linked to protests over encroachment evictions in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on Monday, officials said.

The violence broke out after rival groups confronted each other during protests demanding the eviction of alleged encroachers from tribal belts, including Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands. Security forces resorted to lathi charges and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowds and restore order.

One of the victims, a 25-year-old specially abled man identified as Suresh Dey, died after a building was set on fire by agitators. Another person, Athik Timung, was killed during the clashes. Police said several officers sustained injuries due to stone pelting and other attacks.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed grief over the deaths and said he was monitoring the situation, particularly in West Karbi Anglong. In a post on X, he said additional security forces would be deployed in Kheroni to maintain peace, and assured that dialogue would be held with stakeholders along with support for the affected families.

Director General of Police Harmeet Singh, who was present at the site and held talks with protesters, said some demonstrators resorted to violence despite assurances of maintaining peace. He reported that police personnel, including himself, were injured in stone pelting, and alleged that shops were torched and weapons such as arrows were used. He warned of strict action against those involved in violence and appealed to community leaders to counsel youth.

Despite prohibitory orders and the imposition of a night curfew, large crowds gathered at Kheroni market, leading to renewed stone throwing from both sides. Earlier in the day, motorcycles, shops, and the residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council chief Tuliram Ronghang were set on fire.

Authorities have suspended internet services in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of rumours and further escalation.

The protests involved members of various political and social organisations, who had been observing a 15-day hunger strike. The strike was called off after assurances of tripartite talks. Senior minister Ranoj Pegu said tensions were heightened due to a court stay on previous eviction drives in the area.