Arson, violence, internet snapped: Assam’s Kokrajhar on edge after tensions between Bodos, Adivasis

One person, identified as Sikhna Jwhwlao Bismit, succumbed to injuries, while four are being treated at the Kokrajhar Medical College and Hospital.

“We detained 19 people at night and began the investigation. We are trying to explain to people to let the police handle this in line with the law, “ said Kokrajhar Superintendent of Police Akhat Garg.

However, tensions flared between the two communities, with people blocking the national highway adjacent to the Karigaon police outpost, burning tyres and a few houses, setting fire to an office building and attempting to attack the police outpost.

“On Tuesday, groups from both sides attempted to clash. Police used force against stone pelters. All efforts are currently engaged in keeping the situation under control,” said the IGP (L&O).

The Home Department, meanwhile, issued a notification prohibiting mobile internet services in the entire district until further orders, citing apprehensions that “social media and internet may be used to spread inflammatory messages, rumours, etc that may lead to further aggravation of the situation”.

While issuing an appeal for peace, Bodoland Territorial Council chief Hagrama Mohilary alleged that a “third party” aggravated the situation to “take advantage” of this situation.

“There have been misunderstandings here. A third party is trying to take advantage and politicise this, which we cannot encourage. We have one appeal. Both Adivasis and Bodos are people of this region. We appeal to everyone to maintain peace. We have to live here together,” said Mohilary.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also appealed for peace: “I request the full cooperation of the leading figures of the society and political leaders. I urge everyone to assist the government in restoring peace and normalcy as soon as possible.”

Through a separate notification, mobile internet services were also suspended in the adjoining BTR district of Chirang. “As a fallout of the incident occurring in Kokrajhar District, the turmoil is fast spreading to neighbouring BTR districts with every likelihood of creating a law and order situation in these districts as well,” states the order.