Assam : BJP leader Tuliram Ronghang’s house set on fire by tribals following misunderstanding

Misunderstanding over alleged arrest of those on hunger strike against encroachment on tribal land

Hamren (Assam) – A long-standing land dispute in West Karbi Anglong district of Assam turned violent after protesters set fire to the residence of local BJP leader and Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Tuliram Ronghang. As the situation escalated, the police resorted to the use of force to disperse the agitators. At least three persons were injured in the incident.

For the past 15 days, nine individuals had been on a hunger strike in the Pelangpi area demanding the removal of encroachments from reserved land. As their health deteriorated, the police shifted them to a hospital. However, other protesting tribals reportedly misunderstood this action as an arrest, leading to an outburst of anger.

Karbi Anglong is a tribal-majority district that falls under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. A significant portion of land in the region is reserved exclusively for grazing purposes. Local organisations have been demanding the eviction of alleged encroachers, claiming that non-tribals have occupied reserved land. The indefinite hunger strike was part of this agitation.

Ronghang clarified that since the matter is currently sub judice, neither the State Government nor the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council can take direct action until the court delivers its decision.