Fresh violence erupted in Assam's Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts on December 23, 2025, marking the second consecutive day of unrest linked to protests over an eviction drive targeting alleged illegal encroachments on protected tribal lands, including Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) areas. Clashes broke out between two groups of protesters in the Kheroni area, resulting in at least eight people injured, including demonstrators, security personnel, and media persons covering the incident. Police resorted to lathi-charge and fired tear-gas shells to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.

The violence followed a 12- to 15-day hunger strike by protesters—representing various political and social organizations—demanding the eviction of illegal settlers, reportedly mostly from Bihar, from tribal belt lands. On Monday, December 22, protesters had set ablaze the ancestral residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang and around 15 shops in Kheroni Bazaar, leading to four injuries from police firing. Although Education Minister Ranoj Pegu held talks with the agitators on Tuesday, assuring a tripartite meeting with the state government, KAAC, and locals within December, tensions persisted, and violence escalated after his departure.

In response to the deteriorating law and order situation, the Assam government imposed an immediate and indefinite suspension of internet and mobile data services in both Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts. The order, issued under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017, aims to maintain public peace, prevent further escalation, and curb the spread of rumors that allegedly fuelled the clashes. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were also enforced, restricting gatherings of more than five people, rallies, marches, and inflammatory communications, alongside a night curfew from 5 pm to 6 am in the Karbi Anglong district.

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Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the situation as "very sensitive" and "critical," with ongoing tensions between groups despite assurances from the government. Additional security forces were deployed to the affected areas, and senior officials, including Minister Ranoj Pegu, remained on the ground to monitor developments. No fresh incidents of violence were reported late into the evening, though the region continued to remain tense with a heavy security presence.

The unrest highlights longstanding grievances in Sixth Schedule areas regarding land rights, ethnic identity, and alleged inaction on encroachments threatening tribal protections. Authorities have urged public cooperation to restore calm, while underlying issues related to eviction and land disputes remain unresolved, raising concerns about potential further escalation in the hill district. The government has promised a tripartite dialogue to address the protesters' demands, but the situation continues to be closely monitored.

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