Syllabus: GS–II: Governance

Why in the news?

West Karbi Anglong in Assam witnessed violent protests after a long-running agitation demanding eviction of illegal settlers from grazing reserves escalated into arson, injuries, and police firing.

• The unrest followed the detention of protesters and culminated in the burning of the residence of the Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.

What exactly happened

• Protesters belonging to various political and social organisations were on an indefinite hunger strike for over 15 days at Phelangpi, under Kheroni Police Station.
• Their core demand was the eviction of illegal settlers from Professional Grazing Reserves and Village Grazing Reserves in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts.
• They cited protections available under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which safeguards tribal land and customary rights.
• Tensions escalated after seven protesters were detained, triggering mass mobilisation.
• Thousands marched from Kheroni to Dongkamukam, blocked a key bridge, and demanded dialogue with the leadership of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.
• The situation turned violent when public and private property was vandalised, including homes, shops, vehicles, and an ambulance.
• The ancestral residence of the KAAC Chief Executive Member was set on fire, following which security forces opened fire, injuring three protesters and a policeman.

Understanding the core issue: land and autonomy

• Grazing Reserves were originally created to protect common land resources for indigenous communities.
• In Sixth Schedule areas, tribal land cannot be transferred to non-tribals without due process, making land encroachment a deeply sensitive issue.
• For many indigenous communities in Karbi Anglong, land is not merely an economic asset but central to identity, livelihood, and self-governance.

Role of the Sixth Schedule

• The Sixth Schedule (Articles 244(2)) provides autonomous councils legislative and administrative powers over land, forests (other than reserved forests), and local governance.
• Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC): An elected body that governs the Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts.
• The agitation reflects a perception that constitutional protections are not being enforced effectively, leading to frustration and prolonged protest.
• At the same time, the Schedule does not sanction mob justice or violence, even when demands are constitutionally grounded.

Law, order, and governance challenges

• The incident highlights a serious coordination gap between civil administration, police, and autonomous council authorities.
• While peaceful protest is a democratic right, arson, vandalism, and attacks on individuals cross the boundary into criminality.
• Police firing, though sometimes unavoidable, raises questions about crowd management, proportionality, and use of force.

Human cost of escalation

• Injuries to civilians and security personnel underline how quickly legitimate grievances can spiral into human tragedy.
• Damage to homes and local infrastructure disproportionately affects ordinary residents, many of whom are not part of decision-making.
• Such violence deepens mistrust between communities and the state, making resolution harder.

What is needed going forward

• Immediate confidence-building measures, including transparent inquiry into police action and violence.
• Time-bound, lawful eviction processes with clear communication to avoid rumours and panic.
• Stronger dialogue mechanisms between autonomous councils, state authorities, and community leaders.
• Clear distinction between constitutional assertion of rights and criminal acts, ensuring accountability without collective punishment.

Key terms explained 

• Sixth Schedule: Constitutional framework for tribal self-governance in parts of Northeast India.
• Grazing Reserve: Land set aside for community use, especially for livestock.
• Autonomous Council: Elected body with legislative and executive powers in Sixth Schedule areas.
• Use of force: Lawful but regulated action by police to maintain public order.
• Encroachment: Unauthorised occupation of land, often a trigger for social conflict.

Conclusion

• The violence in West Karbi Anglong is not merely a law-and-order issue, but a symptom of deeper governance failures in managing land, autonomy, and dialogue.
• Protecting constitutional rights under the Sixth Schedule requires institutional action, not street justice.
• Sustainable peace lies in firm law enforcement combined with sincere political engagement and administrative clarity.

Exam Hook

Key Takeaways:

• Sixth Schedule protections are meaningful only when implemented through strong institutions.
• Failure to address land grievances early can convert peaceful protest into violent unrest.

Mains Question:
“Sixth Schedule areas often witness conflicts over land and identity. Examine the causes of such unrest and suggest measures to balance constitutional autonomy with public order.”

One-line wrap

The West Karbi Anglong violence shows how unresolved land grievances and weak dialogue can turn constitutional demands into a crisis of governance and law and order.

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