Guwahati, Jan 20: The Assam government on Tuesday ordered suspension of mobile internet services in neighbouring Chirang district to prevent the spread of rumours and avert further escalation of tension in the wake of violent clashes in Kokrajhar district.
The order was issued under provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act and related rules, citing concerns over the circulation of inflammatory content and misinformation on social media.
Meanwhile, Assam Police said the law and order situation in the Karigaon area of Kokrajhar district is under control. In an official statement, police urged the public to remain calm and refrain from believing or sharing unverified information online.
According to a notification issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Political) Ajay Tewari, IAS, the unrest stemmed from an incident on the night of January 19, when a Scorpio vehicle carrying three Bodo youths allegedly hit two Adivasi persons on Mansingh Road under the Karigaon police outpost.
The deceased have been identified as Sikhna Jwhwlao Bismit and Sunil Murmu. Police said Sikhna Jwhwlao was allegedly beaten to death during a clash between two groups, while Sunil Murmu later succumbed to injuries sustained during the protests that followed.
Following the accident, the occupants of the vehicle were allegedly assaulted by local Adivasi villagers, and the vehicle was set ablaze. The situation escalated soon after, with members of both Bodo and Adivasi communities blocking the National Highway near the Karigaon outpost, burning tyres, torching houses, setting fire to an office building, and allegedly attacking the police outpost.
A heavy security deployment has been put in place across sensitive areas, and senior officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent the violence from spreading.
Amid the tension, the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) has warned of a bandh across the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) area, stating that protests will continue until those responsible are brought to justice.
Police said 29 people have been detained so far in connection with the killings and the subsequent violence. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities remain on high alert given the fragile situation.
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