Speaking to the media, Sarma said both groups are currently holding dialogues, and he expects further improvement in the coming days.

“The situation has improved. Both the groups are talking to each other. Our senior officials are present. People are coming out on streets and going to shops. We expect much better situations in the days to come,” the CM said.

Sarma clarified that one of the deceased died in police firing, while the other—a differently-abled person—succumbed to burn injuries after agitators torched houses and shops during the unrest.

The violence erupted amid tribal protests demanding eviction of alleged illegal settlers from constitutionally protected tribal belts. Initially, the demonstrations focused on land rights, but tensions escalated due to clashes between communities, police intervention, and disputes over enforcement of constitutional protections.

Indigenous tribal groups, mainly from the Karbi community, have been demanding the eviction of non-tribal encroachers—many from outside the region, including Bihar—from Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands. These lands are safeguarded under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to protect tribal communities.

The agitation intensified following a prolonged hunger strike by tribal activists pressing for strict enforcement of land protections and eviction of encroachers. Protesters have also sought direct dialogue with the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and the state government, citing delays and legal hurdles in executing eviction notices.

The demonstrators are demanding stronger safeguards and decisive administrative action to protect tribal lands and uphold constitutional provisions governing autonomous regions.