Kokrajhar, 23 January (HS): Life in Kokrajhar district has been severely disrupted following the suspension of internet services in the aftermath of the Karigaon incident. Residents have expressed strong resentment over the prolonged shutdown, stating that despite the internet being an essential service in the digital era, authorities have imposed a blanket restriction citing a single incident, causing widespread hardship.

The shutdown has hit students particularly hard, affecting studies, online classes and examinations. Digital payment systems have come to a complete halt, with UPI transactions non-functional across the district. As a result, markets and commercial activities have nearly come to a standstill. Adding to public distress, several ATMs in Kokrajhar town have reportedly run out of cash, forcing people to move from one ATM to another without success. Citizens from all sections have urged the government to restore internet services at the earliest.

Meanwhile, in connection with the Karigaon murder case that occurred at Gaurinagar on January 19, police have detained 19 persons, who have been lodged in Dhubri jail for security reasons. A case (No. 12/2026) has been registered under BNS sections 103(2), 109(2), 117(4), 118(2) and 189(2).

On the relief front, the district administration has announced ex gratia compensation for the victims of the Karigaon violence. The state government will provide a one-time assistance of ₹5 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased — Chikna Jouhoulao Bismita alias Raja Basumatary and Sunil Murmu. An amount of ₹1 lakh each will be given to four injured persons, while 42 families whose houses were damaged will receive ₹50,000 each. District Commissioner Pankaj Chakravarty informed that state minister Jayanta Mallabaruah will formally hand over cheques on Thursday to the wife of Chikna Jouhoulao Bismita, Daimuti Basumatary and the father of Sunil Murmu, Fate Murmu.

The district commissioner also stated that out of the five government-run relief camps set up in the district, three have already been closed. Arrangements are being made to send affected families back to their homes at the earliest. Temporary police camps have been established in sensitive areas to ensure security for those returning. However, inmates of relief camps have voiced concern over how they can safely return home amid lingering tension.

The prevailing situation has also dealt a severe blow to small traders on Saraswati Puja today. With markets closed on previous days, UPI services defunct and ATMs without cash, puja-related business has suffered heavily. Several schools are reportedly planning to observe Saraswati Puja in a subdued manner this year instead of grand celebrations.

From a security perspective, a large number of security personnel have been deployed across sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incident. Barricading, checking and patrolling have been intensified on major roads. After two days of disruption, normalcy is gradually returning to Kokrajhar, with markets reopening, though the administration continues to keep a close watch on the situation.

Despite this, allegations persist that conditions in relief camps remain grim, with shortages of baby food, cooking essentials, fuel, clothes and tarpaulins. In this difficult time, the youth wing of the BPF has extended support by supplying food items to the camps, for which affected families have expressed gratitude.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash