Opposition Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan raised a series of sharp questions over the recent unrest in the Kheroni area of West Karbi Anglong. The MP has asked Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to respond to the concerns, saying the issue is linked to the safety, dignity, and future of Assam’s indigenous communities.
Bhuyan said the ongoing violence and tension are being described as a clash between Hindi- and Bengali-speaking people on one side and the indigenous Karbi community on the other. While he agreed that this description may be partly correct, he added that the situation has a deeper social and political background that cannot be ignored.
According to Bhuyan, the anger among Karbi people has grown over the years because they feel exploited and neglected in their own homeland. He said that locals have seen their natural resources such as coal, limestone, timber, stone, and sand being extracted in large quantities, while ordinary people gain little benefit from it. At the same time, development funds meant for the region are alleged to have been misused or diverted. 
He also claimed that political power in the autonomous council area has been influenced by outside voters, reducing the control of indigenous people over their own institutions. Bhuyan further alleged that a large area of land said to be reserved for the Karbis has been transferred to private companies in violation of rules. He mentioned that corporate groups, including the Adani Group, have been linked to these land transfers.
The MP also said that over time, settlers from outside communities have constructed houses and taken over farmland and market areas. He expressed concern that this change is gradually affecting the social and cultural life of the Karbi people. In his statement, he added that this situation has created fear that the community may slowly lose its identity and influence in its own land.
Bhuyan said that the latest controversy became more serious when slogans such as “Karbi go back” were allegedly raised in the area. He argued that hearing such words in their own homeland would naturally make Karbis feel insulted and insecure. He said that when indigenous people feel that even their self-respect is under attack, anger and protest are bound to follow.
The MP also criticised elected representatives from the region, saying that many people now feel that their leaders have failed to stand up for their cause. He remarked that when public representatives become dependent on the state government instead of their own people, frustration among the public keeps increasing.
He further criticised the response of the state administration to the protests. Bhuyan alleged that instead of trying to resolve the issue through dialogue, the police resorted to force. He said that the use of baton-charge and firing cannot be justified in a democratic society. While condemning violence from all sides, he said that peaceful protesters must not be treated as criminals when they are only demanding their rights.
Bhuyan also questioned how and why such slogans against Karbis were raised in the first place. He asked who encouraged people to speak in such a provocative manner and whether there is an organised attempt to create divisions between communities. He warned that such incidents may deepen mistrust and create long-term social problems across Assam.
He added that the matter is especially serious because many indigenous communities already fear demographic and political marginalisation. According to him, the latest developments should be seen as a warning sign that needs to be addressed with sensitivity and responsibility.
The MP said the people of Assam expect clear answers from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on these issues. He urged the government to explain what steps are being taken to protect the land, identity, and cultural rights of indigenous communities, while also ensuring peace and security for all residents.
