Normalcy has largely returned to Assam’s Kokrajhar district, with no fresh incidents of violence reported overnight or through Wednesday morning, January 21, 2026. The unrest, which erupted following a road accident, resulted in the deaths of two individuals—one Bodo and one Adivasi (Santhal)—and left several others injured. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) remain in effect across the district, while mobile internet services continue to be suspended in Kokrajhar and neighbouring Chirang district to curb the spread of rumours and misinformation.

The trigger for the violence was a road accident at Karigaon, around 30 km from Kokrajhar town, on Monday night. A vehicle carrying three Bodo youths struck two Adivasi youths, prompting an Adivasi mob to attack the Bodo group, killing one and torching the vehicle. One of the injured Adivasi youths later succumbed to injuries. Tensions escalated on Tuesday as hundreds from both communities blocked the National Highway, torched houses, an office building, and a peace-mode camp of an Adivasi rebel group, and attacked the Karigaon police outpost. Police have arrested 18 individuals in connection with the clashes.

In response, authorities have deployed four columns of the Indian Army, alongside personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Assam Police. Army units conducted flag marches for the second consecutive day through sensitive areas to restore confidence and deter further trouble. The district administration has established four to five relief camps, sheltering displaced people from both Bodo and Adivasi communities who fled their homes due to insecurity. Security has been strengthened at these camps.

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IGP (Law & Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh, speaking at the site, confirmed that the situation is under control and urged residents to trust the administration while avoiding rumour-mongering. He announced confidence-building meetings with community representatives and warned strict action against those spreading false information. Officials emphasized that peace has been more or less restored, with ongoing efforts focused on dialogue and maintaining law and order.

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