Karbi Anglong (Assam), 24 December (HS): The situation in the Kheroni area of West Karbi Anglong district is gradually returning to normal, with no fresh reports of violence received from any part of the area during the night, officials said on Wednesday.

In view of the prevailing situation, security arrangements have been tightened. The Army has been conducting flag marches in sensitive areas, while additional police personnel and paramilitary forces have been deployed to maintain law and order. The administration has appealed to the public to maintain peace and communal harmony.

Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep concern over the Kheroni incident and said that he is closely monitoring the situation round the clock. The Chief Minister also expressed grief over the death of two persons in the violence.

Director General of Police (DGP) Harmeet Singh remained present in Kheroni throughout the night to take stock of the situation. During this period, there were reports of protesters allegedly pelting stones at the DGP.

According to official sources, around 50 police personnel, including two administrative officers, were injured in the incident. The violence claimed the lives of two persons.

One of the deceased has been identified as Suraj De, a specially-abled person who was burnt alive after a shop was set on fire. Being differently-abled, he was unable to escape from the burning shop. Another person, identified as Synthur Timung, also lost his life in the incident.

The administration said that Army flag marches have been intensified from Wednesday morning to ensure complete control over the situation and restore normalcy in the area.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash