Protest turns violent in Karbi Anglong, 9 cops among 44 injured
Forty four people including nine police personnel, were injured in a clash between protesters and police in Diphu town in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on Tuesday.
The protestors were demanding the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) for eviction of “illegal settlers” from VGR/PGR at Kheroni in West Karbi Anglong district.
More than hundreds of protestors, including youth and women took out a ‘March to KAAC’ from Sarada playground, Birla to reach the KAAC Secretariat to submit an ultimatum to Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang.
The rally was organised by individual leaders associated with different youths, students and women’s organisations. No particular organisation or political party is organising the rally.
Leaders like Bishwajyoti Teron, Litsong Rongphar, Lonely Timungpi, Prisella Terangpi, KSA president Sumit Timung and Angtong Engti Kathar took the lead in the rally.
As the rally started from Birla and on reaching Rongnihang Tiniali in front of the East Division Forest office, turned violent as the police personnel tried to stop the protestors from taking Amllapati route instead of diverting towards Sivbari road and to halt the rally at Matipung tinilai.
To stop the protestors from moving ahead, the police and paramilitary personnel resorted to lathi charges and opened black fire on the protestors.
More than 35 protestors received injuries and they have been admitted in Diphu Medical College & Hospital (DMCH).
Even as the police and security personnel dispersed the protestors, the protestors again assembled at in front of Karbi Club, Rongnihang.
Angtong Engti Kathar, who led the protest, said there are only 22 families that have sought a stay order from Gauhati High Court. Some 2000 houses can be evicted, but the KAAC is not doing it.
Kathar said, “We have taken out the protest to submit an ultimatum to the KAAC authority to carry out an eviction drive in the PGR/VGR area. Why is the KAAC authority delaying the eviction process? But it is very unfortunate that during our peaceful procession, the police and paramilitary personnel have adopted forceful tactics.”
CEM Tuliram Ronghang has given notice of 15-day time to vacate the place. But this has not happened, Kathar said. Action should be taken to the police personnel hurting the agitators, Kathar demanded.
Later, in the evening the CEM came to Rongnihang and met the protestors. The CEM said, “After hearing about police hurting the protestors, I have come here myself to talk with you.”
“I did not say I will not evict the encroachers. We are doing it step by step. Some have brought stay orders from Gauhati High Court. I will continue to fight. This is my assurance,” the CEM added.
Feature Image Credit: The Drongo Express
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