Assam: Protests over tribal land eviction turn violent, 4 injured
Tensions flared in Assam's West Karbi Anglong district as police and Karbi tribal protesters clashed during an ongoing eviction drive on protected tribal lands.
Things escalated when protesters set fire to the house of a local council leader, Tuliram Ronghang.
Police responded with lathi-charge and firing, leaving three protesters and one paramilitary officer injured.
Hunger strike and protests show no signs of stopping
Despite the violence, protests have stretched into their third week, with a hunger strike at Phelangpi now on day 15.
Led by youth activist Litsong Rongphar and civil society groups, demonstrators are demanding removal of encroachers from reserved grazing lands.
Even after authorities invited them for talks—and detained seven protesters—crowds keep growing, blocking roads and vowing not to back down until their demands are met.