Protests erupt after disabled man burnt alive in Karbi Anglong
What's the story
Protests erupted in Assam's West Karbi Anglong district after a physically disabled man was killed during violence on Tuesday. Clashes have been ongoing between tribals and those viewed as outsiders since Monday. The deceased, Suresh Dey (25), was a member of the Bengali community, according to PTI. He was allegedly burnt alive by a mob inside his home in Kheroni, an area inhabited by Bihari, Bengali, Nepali communities, as well as tribal Karbis.
Protest demands
Protests demand justice, compensation for victim's family
The protests saw a large number of Hindi-speaking and Bengali community members block the Lanka-Kheroni Road. They demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for Dey's death and ₹20 lakh compensation for his family. "We want immediate arrest of the culprit, who killed one specially-abled person by locking him inside his home," a protester was quoted as saying.
Violence aftermath
Violence leaves 2 dead, over 45 injured
The violence left two dead and over 45 injured, including 38 police personnel. The other deceased was from the Karbi community and was allegedly killed in police firing. Inspector General of Police Vivek Raj Singh visited the site to calm protesters and urged them not to take the law into their own hands. "Actions will be taken against the culprits," he assured.
Community tensions
Ongoing tensions between Karbi and non-tribal communities
Tensions have been simmering between the Karbi and non-tribal communities over alleged encroachments on the Village Grazing Reserve and the Professional Grazing Reserve in tribal belts by Hindi-speaking people. The violence also saw homes and shops being torched, with police being attacked with stones, arrows, and crude bombs. In response to the unrest, authorities have deployed additional security forces and imposed prohibitory orders to restore order.
Current status
Situation under control, no fresh violence reported
Despite the unrest, officials said the situation is now stable with no fresh violence reported. The police are still monitoring the situation closely. The protests have also spread to neighboring Hojai district where members of the Bengali-speaking community held demonstrations over Dey's killing.