AGP president Atul Bora, Tipra Motha leader Deb barma, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi condemn remarks targeting Karbi community as violence leaves two dead and raises concerns over social harmony in Assam

Tipra Motha leader Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma strongly condemned the slogans reportedly raised against the indigenous Karbi community by miscreants during recent violence in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, terming these as deeply hurting and threatening social unity. Deb Barma ‘s this remarks came amid escalating tensions in the region, where protests have turned violent, leaving people dead and injured and large-scale destruction of property.

On X, Deb Barma said he was pained by reports of Karbi people being allegedly asked to “go back to China.” Such slogans, he felt, were uncalled for, especially against indigenous people in their own ancestral land. Deb Barma termed the remarks as “absurd and painful” while extending his solidarity to the Karbi people and their children. Deb Barma said such rhetoric diminishes dignity and belonging. He ended his message with “One Northeast“, juxtaposing the unity that needs to be forged across communities in the region.

Deb Barma’s condemnation was echoed by Congress Member of Parliament Gaurav Gogoi, who said he is shocked by the alleged slogans. The remarks, Gogoi added, were ignorant, deeply disrespectful, and completely opposite to the values of Assam. He appealed to all sections of society to exercise restraint and work toward maintaining peace while urging the state government to urgently address the root causes of the unrest.

In a separate statement, Gogoi said such rhetoric targeted at the Karbi community reflected a dangerous and divisive mindset. He warned against any inflammatory language as it may further deteriorate the situation. Emphasising Assam’s long tradition of diversity and coexistence, he said every attempt to pitch communities against one another weakens the social fabric of the State which would ensure greater harm to long-term peace.

The political reactions came amidst the spiraling of violence in Karbi Anglong, especially the Kheroni area, during protests on December 24. At least two people reportedly died of the violence, while a number of others-which also included security personnel-sustained serious injuries. Several shops, houses, and other establishments were allegedly set on fire, causing fear and displacements among people.

Tensions heightened further after the ancestral residence of Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, at Dongkamukam was reportedly targeted during the unrest. In fact, the incident deepened concerns over the law-and-order situation and underscored how fragile the relations between different groups in this district were.

The violence has again brought to the fore the decadal friction between indigenous Karbis and non-tribal settlers in Karbi Anglong. Several Karbi organizations have been demanding the eviction of whom they term illegal settlers, alleging that unchecked encroachment threatens their land rights, cultural identity, and very survival. These apprehensions are peculiarly sensitive because Karbi Anglong falls under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which confers special safeguards to the tribal areas and restricts land ownership to the indigenous communities.

Against this backdrop, a discussion meeting has been slated for later December 26 between Karbi leaders and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to try and defuse the situation, with discussions on grievances and long-term solutions so that such conflicts do not recur. Meanwhile, security forces have been deployed in large numbers across sensitive areas of the district, and prohibitory orders remain in force to curb further violence.

Authorities said efforts are on to restore normalcy and ensure accountability for those involved in acts of violence and the raising of hate slogans. The state government has maintained its commitment toward peace and upkeep of communal harmony in the region.

Also read : What Is Really Going On in Karbi Anglong ? 10 Key Points on Protests Shaking Assam