Assam: Army conducts flag march in Kokrajhar; peace meeting held
Guwahati: The Indian Army carried out a flag march in Assam's Kokrajhar district on Wednesday, while a peace meeting involving state ministers and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief Hagrama Mohilary was held to restore calm after recent communal unrest.
At the same time, a peace meeting took place with state ministers and BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary to encourage harmony in the area.
The unrest began on January 20 after a mob lynching incident, which sparked tensions between the communities. To ensure safety and reassure residents, the Army deployed four units to sensitive locations and coordinated patrols with local authorities in and around Karigaon.
In addition to the Army, the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and state police remain stationed in the district.
Around 1,000 people who left their homes due to the violence are currently sheltered in five relief centres established in local schools. Security personnel are encouraging residents to return home while confidence-building measures continue.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, sent ministers Jayanta Malla Barua and Charan Boro to Kokrajhar to assess the situation and engage with local communities. A peace dialogue was held on Wednesday at the BTC Assembly Auditorium.
According to Barua, the meeting included BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary and senior police officials to review the ongoing situation and decide on additional measures to maintain order.
Over 400 representatives from different community organizations took part, highlighting the importance of collective responsibility, inter-community cooperation, and continued dialogue to uphold peace.
The immediate cause of the violence occurred on Monday evening when a vehicle carrying Bodo workers was stopped by a crowd on suspicion of cattle theft.
During the incident, the vehicle struck two Adivasi individuals near Mansingh Road. Following this, the workers were attacked, and the vehicle was set ablaze.
One of the victims, Sikhna Jwhwlao Bismit, died Monday night, while Sunil Murmu passed away during treatment on Tuesday.
Four others were injured and are receiving care at Kokrajhar Medical College and Hospital. Police have arrested 19 individuals and are questioning several others.
The following day, members of both communities protested by blocking the National Highway near Karigaon, setting fire to houses, burning tyres, and reportedly attacking a government office.
During the unrest, the Karigaon police outpost came under attack. Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, throughout Kokrajhar.
Mobile internet and data services remain suspended in Kokrajhar and Chirang to curb misinformation.
BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary urged people to keep peace and protect the district’s long-standing harmony.