Indian authorities have deployed army troops and suspended internet services in Assam's Kokrajhar and Chirang districts following deadly ethnic clashes between Bodo and Adivasi communities that have left at least two people dead and sparked widespread violence. The Rapid Action Force has been stationed in affected areas as tensions continue to escalate in the northeastern state.
The violence erupted on Sunday night when a vehicle carrying three Bodo individuals struck two Adivasi persons on Mansingh Road in the Karigaon area. The three Bodos were subsequently beaten by neighboring Adivasi villagers and their vehicle was set ablaze, resulting in one fatality. A second person who was injured in the initial mob violence succumbed to injuries at Kokrajhar Medical College on Tuesday.
The situation deteriorated rapidly on Tuesday as both Bodo and Adivasi communities blocked the National Highway adjacent to Karigaon, burning tires and setting fire to several houses. Rioters also attacked the Karigaon police outpost and set ablaze a government office, prompting authorities to impose public assembly restrictions across the affected districts.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that arrangements are in place to deploy additional army units while the Rapid Action Force works to quell the unrest. Director General of Police Harmeet Singh, along with senior officials, rushed to Kokrajhar to oversee operations in the area, which falls under the Bodoland Territorial Council administration.
Authorities have suspended mobile internet and data services across Kokrajhar and Chirang districts, citing concerns that social media platforms could be used to spread inflammatory messages and rumors that would further inflame tensions. Voice calls and broadband connectivity through fixed telephone lines remain operational during the shutdown.
Police have detained 18 individuals in connection with the mob violence and subsequent clashes. Kokrajhar District Commissioner Pankaj Chakravarty has enforced strict public assembly restrictions to maintain order, with additional security forces en route to stabilize the volatile situation. The ethnic tensions between Bodo and Adivasi communities in the region have a long history, and authorities fear further escalation without swift intervention.