Mobile internet services have been reinstated in the twin hill districts of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong in Assam, marking a return to normalcy after days of unrest and a government-imposed shutdown. The restoration order came on Sunday, December 28, following a significant improvement in the law-and-order situation.
Violent Unrest Triggers Communication Blackout
The internet blackout was initiated on December 23 after a series of violent incidents erupted on December 22. The unrest was sparked by protesters demanding the eviction of non-tribal settlers from Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands. The agitation took a severe turn when demonstrators set fire to the residence of Tuliram Ronghang, the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC). Several shops and markets were also vandalized during the protests.
The situation escalated further, leading to a tragic loss of life. One civilian was killed in police firing, and another person was burnt alive amidst the chaos. Security personnel faced intense aggression, with agitators pelting stones and attacking them in the Dongkamukam area near Kheroni in West Karbi Anglong district. Police were forced to resort to lathi charges and blank firing to control the mob. The violence resulted in injuries to at least 172 personnel from the Assam Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Government Action and Path to Resolution
In response to the crisis, the Assam government invoked Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, along with the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules of 2017, to impose the mobile internet ban. This measure was aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation and further mobilization of crowds.
A significant step towards peace was taken on Friday, December 26, when Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma chaired a crucial tripartite meeting in Guwahati. The meeting brought together state government officials, the KAAC, and representatives of the Karbi community agitators. Key decisions emerged from this dialogue, most notably the agreement to install fencing to protect approximately 8,000 bighas of VGR and PGR land, addressing a core demand of the protesters.
Restoration of Services and Return to Normalcy
With no untoward incidents reported since December 24, the state government deemed it safe to lift the restrictions. Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Political Department, Ajay Tewary, issued the official notification on Sunday. The order directed all mobile service providers to restore internet and mobile data services effective from 8 am on December 28.
The restoration of connectivity signals a hard-won calm in the region, following a period of intense conflict over land rights and tribal identity. The government's combination of security measures and diplomatic engagement appears to have quelled the immediate violence, allowing daily life and communication to resume.
