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Karbi Anglong/Guwahati, Dec 23: The Assam administration is set to organize a tripartite meeting this December, which will include the state government, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), and representatives from the local communities protesting against eviction demands in West Karbi Anglong.

Cabinet Minister Ranoj Pegu, who visited the affected regions as a government representative, announced that the protesters have agreed to pause their hunger strike following his intervention.

“They have agreed to stop their hunger strike at my request, and I have assured them that a tripartite meeting will be convened this month with the state government, KAAC, and local representatives,” Pegu informed the media on Tuesday.

He emphasized that the government is attentive to the concerns of tribal communities and land rights, believing that the situation can be resolved through constructive dialogue.

After engaging with the protesters, Pegu observed that the unrest extends beyond disputes regarding Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands.

“The locals expressed that this issue transcends PGR and VGR; it is fundamentally about the identity of the Karbi community,” he stated.

Pegu noted that the hunger strike had been ongoing since December 6, and when several protesters required medical attention, misinformation regarding their arrests led to escalated tensions.

He and Ajay Tiwari, the Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam, visited the area to facilitate discussions and urged for calm.

The minister also promised accountability, indicating that strict actions would be taken against any police personnel found negligent in their duties.

He mentioned that the locals were eager to engage in discussions with KAAC chief Tuliram Ronghang, but the deteriorating situation hindered this meeting.

Protesters voiced their grievances regarding inadequate basic services, including fire brigade availability, and demanded compensation for damages incurred during the unrest.

They also requested the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at the upcoming tripartite meeting.

Previously, Sarma indicated that the unrest was fueled by misinformation and reiterated that the government must adhere to a court order.

He pointed out that the Gauhati High Court had issued an interim order prohibiting the eviction of non-tribals in West Karbi Anglong, rendering any such actions legally invalid.

Addressing rumors of arrests, Sarma clarified that seven protesters who fell ill were transported to Guwahati Medical College for treatment and were subsequently discharged.

“No arrests have occurred,” he reiterated, asserting that the matter could be resolved through dialogue or legal avenues.

He cautioned that violent actions, including assaults on the KAAC chief’s residence or police stations, would only exacerbate the situation.

The atmosphere remains tense, with prohibitory orders still in effect in Karbi Anglong and the adjacent West Karbi Anglong.

On Monday, four individuals sustained injuries due to police firing after protesters engaged in violent actions in Kheroni, setting fire to the old residence of KAAC chief Ronghang in Donkamokam, damaging around 15 shops, and attempting to assault a police station.