Army Deployed in Violence-Hit Kokrajhar as Assam Tightens Security

Kokrajhar, Assam | 21 January 2026 The Army has been deployed in sensitive areas of Assam’s Kokrajhar district after violent clashes claimed two lives and led to arson and unrest. The violence, allegedly between members of the Bodo and Adivasi communities, prompted authorities to step up security to restore calm in the region. According to officials, Army personnel carried out joint patrolling with the district administration in Karigaon and nearby areas on Tuesday night. A defence spokesperson said that a flag march will also be conducted on Wednesday as part of confidence-building measures. At present, four Army columns are stationed in the district. Officials said the overall situation is under control, with strict security arrangements in place in Kokrajhar and the neighbouring Chirang district. The unrest began on Monday night when a vehicle carrying three Bodo persons hit two Adivasi individuals at Mansingh Road under the Karigaon outpost. The three Bodos were allegedly beaten by local villagers, and the vehicle was set on fire. One person died on the spot, while another later succumbed to injuries on Tuesday. Three others are currently undergoing treatment in hospital. Tensions escalated further on Tuesday as members of both communities blocked a national highway near the Karigaon outpost, burned tyres, set fire to a government office, and attacked the local police outpost. Police resorted to baton charge and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, leaving several people injured, including police personnel. The district administration has opened two relief camps at Karigaon High School and Gwajanpuri Amanpara High School after villagers fled their homes fearing attacks. Prohibitory orders have been imposed across the district under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and internet and mobile data services have been suspended in Kokrajhar and Chirang as a precaution. Army Deployed in Violence-Hit Kokrajhar as Assam Tightens Security Violence in Assam’s Kokrajhar district has led to the deployment of the Army in sensitive areas after two people lost their lives in clashes linked to tensions between Bodo and Adivasi groups. The unrest triggered incidents of arson and street protests, forcing the administration to take firm steps to prevent further trouble. Army teams carried out night patrols along with district officials in Karigaon and nearby localities. A flag march is also planned as part of efforts to reassure residents. Officials confirmed that four Army columns are currently present in the district, while security has been tightened in Kokrajhar as well as neighbouring Chirang. The trouble began after a road accident on Monday night, when a vehicle carrying three Bodo persons hit two Adivasi individuals. The situation quickly turned violent, with the vehicle set on fire and people injured. One person died on the spot, while another passed away later during treatment. Several others were admitted to hospital. On Tuesday, protests escalated with highway blockades, burning of tyres, and attacks on public property, including a police outpost. Police used baton charge and tear gas to control the crowd. Relief camps have been opened for affected villagers, prohibitory orders are in force, and internet services have been suspended to maintain peace.