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NEW DELHI: Opposition parties in Assam on Wednesday demanded the rehabilitation of families affected by the recent violence between two communities in West Karbi Anglong district and sought adequate compensation for the families of two persons who lost their lives. Submitting a joint memorandum to governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, the opposition called for immediate relief and long-term measures for those impacted by the unrest in the Kheroni area. “Rehabilitation of the affected must be prioritised. Besides, livelihood restoration through employment or skill development, and including priority access to credit and loans on short terms and the restoration of community infrastructure, including schools, roads, and bridges, should be done,” the memorandum said. The opposition also stressed that tribal land protections under the Sixth Schedule must be upheld. It said any rehabilitation of non-tribal populations should preserve the existing demographic structure and maintain the majority of the Assamese population. “Both tribal and non-tribal families affected by the Kheroni Bazar unrest shall be provided adequate financial compensation for loss of life, injury, loss of livelihood and property damage,” the memorandum said. The joint memorandum was signed by leaders of the Congress, CPI(M), Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad, All Party Hill Leaders Conference, CPI and CPI(ML) Liberation. Violence erupted in West Karbi Anglong district amid tensions between the Karbi and Bihari communities over alleged encroachment on Village Grazing Reserve and Professional Grazing Reserve lands in the tribal belts by Hindi-speaking settlers. The Kheroni area was among the worst hit, with one person killed in police firing and another burnt alive inside his house. More than 180 people were injured in the violence, including 173 security personnel. During the unrest, the residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang was set on fire by an angry mob. The house was later demolished using bulldozers, prompting allegations that the move was aimed at concealing evidence linked to corruption, undisclosed assets and other illegal activities. “Furthermore, there are public allegations that a significant cache of arms and ammunition was discovered at the property, which is cited as the immediate motive for the hurried demolition,” the memorandum claimed. The opposition demanded Ronghang’s immediate suspension, citing his alleged role in the destruction and removal of evidence. It also called for a judicial probe into the incident. “Initiate an immediate high-level judicial inquiry to investigate the arson and destruction of evidence and ascertain the administration’s role,” the memorandum said. A joint delegation of major opposition parties had visited the violence-affected areas of Kheroni on Tuesday and met victim families. The leaders alleged a “political conspiracy” behind the clashes and said the administration had “completely failed” to control the situation. The violence followed a 15-day hunger strike by Karbi community agitators demanding the eviction of alleged illegal settlers, most of them from Bihar, from VGR and PGR lands in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts. The situation deteriorated on December 22 after police detained three agitators from the protest site in the early hours, a move the administration later said was for hospitalisation. An Army column was subsequently deployed in the district and conducted flag marches in violence-hit areas to restore order.
