Why in News?

• Fresh violence erupted in West Karbi Anglong district of Assam, leading to two deaths, multiple injuries, arson of shops and markets, suspension of mobile internet services, and imposition of prohibitory orders.
• The unrest is rooted in long-standing disputes over land rights, particularly encroachment on grazing reserve lands under the jurisdiction of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Immediate Trigger of the Violence
• Background of the Karbi Anglong Dispute
• The Land Question - PGR and VGR
• Legal Constraints on Evictions
• Challenges and Way Ahead
• Conclusion

Immediate Trigger of the Violence:

• Hunger strike over grazing lands:
  • For over two weeks, nine Karbi protesters were on a fast unto death at Phelangpi in West Karbi Anglong.
  • Their demand - eviction of alleged encroachers from PGR (Professional Grazing Reserve) lands and VGR (Village Grazing Reserve) lands.
  • These lands are traditionally reserved for livestock grazing, dating back to British colonial land policies, and are crucial for tribal livelihoods.
• Perception of arrest: When protesters were shifted to Guwahati for medical reasons, locals believed they were arrested, triggering stone-pelting, arson, and escalation into widespread violence.

Background of the Karbi Anglong Dispute:

• Sixth Schedule and autonomous governance:
  • Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong are tribal-majority hill districts governed under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
  • The KAAC enjoys powers over land, forest management, and local governance, aimed at protecting tribal identity and resources.
• History of insurgency:
  • Since the late 1980s, Karbi insurgent groups have operated in the region.
  • The original demand was for a separate Karbi state, which later moderated to greater autonomy under KAAC.
  • The legacy of insurgency has deepened hostility towards ‘outsiders’.

The Land Question - PGR and VGR:

• Encroachment vs settlement claims:
  • Karbi tribal bodies allege large-scale illegal settlement on grazing lands.
  • Settlers (Biharis, Bengalis, Nepalis) claim residence for decades, seeking regularisation.
  • For example, KAAC identified 1,983 families encroaching in Hawaipur mouza, and reported 103 families encroaching in Phuloni circle.
• Political flashpoint:
  • Protests intensified after a Bihari Nonia community organisation submitted a memorandum to the President of India, demanding legalisation of settlers.
  • Karbi groups viewed this as a threat to Sixth Schedule protections.

Legal Constraints on Evictions:

• KAAC issued 15-day eviction notices. However, evictions were stalled due to a PIL pending in the Gauhati High Court.
• Authorities cited risk of contempt of court if evictions proceeded during judicial consideration.

Challenges and Way Ahead:

• Conflict between customary rights and settlers’ claims: Transparent rehabilitation or relocation policy for long-settled non-tribal populations.
• Weak enforcement of Sixth Schedule: Legal clarity on status and protection of PGR and VGR lands. Strengthening KAAC capacity for land governance and conflict resolution.
• Judicial delays: Time-bound judicial resolution of PILs related to land disputes.
• Mistrust between administration and local communities: Dialogue-based approach involving tribal bodies, settlers, and state authorities.
• Risk of ethnic polarisation: Early warning and community policing mechanisms to prevent escalation.

Conclusion:

• The Karbi Anglong violence underscores the fragile balance between tribal autonomy, land rights, and demographic pressures in Sixth Schedule areas.
• Without institutional clarity, sensitive governance, and inclusive conflict resolution, such disputes risk recurring, threatening social cohesion, constitutional safeguards, and internal security in Northeast India.
• Addressing land issues through rule of law and participatory governance is essential for lasting peace.