Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said Kokrajhar violence stemmed from misunderstandings and assured that normalcy has largely returned
Kokrajhar district is gradually limping back to normalcy after days of tension, as a peace and confidence-building meeting was held on Wednesday at the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Assembly Conference Hall to restore harmony in the violence-affected Bodo heartland.
The meeting, convened to reassure residents and prevent further escalation, was attended by BTC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Hagrama Mohilary, Assam ministers Jayanta Malla Baruah and Charan Boro, MLA Lawrence Islary, senior district and police officials, representatives of various organisations, community leaders, key stakeholders and security forces.
Stressing unity and restraint, participants appealed to all sections of society to maintain peace, strengthen dialogue and uphold communal harmony. It was also decided that a joint team of officials and community representatives would visit the affected areas to assess the ground situation and engage with local residents. Citizens were urged to remain calm, cooperate with the administration and avoid spreading rumours or misinformation.
Speaking to the media, Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah described the recent incidents as unfortunate and said they had caused widespread concern. “These incidents arose out of misunderstandings. This is a crucial time for the development of BTC, and such violence is deeply saddening. The Chief Minister has been closely monitoring the situation and instructed the DGP to be present in Kokrajhar. After reviewing the law and order situation with all stakeholders, I believe normalcy has largely returned,” he said.
Baruah added that the district administration has been directed to assess the damage caused during the unrest, following which compensation will be provided by the state government.
BTC CEM Hagrama Mohilary said the peace meeting reflected a shared commitment among communities to restore calm. “Everyone wants peace. All communities participated and took responsibility. We will reach out to those affected, and the law will take its own course. Peace must prevail,” he said.
Executive Member of the Adivasi Welfare Development Council, Tirku Tudu, condemned the January 19 incident, saying it unnecessarily created tension between communities. He also praised the prompt action of the police and district administration in bringing the situation under control.
Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Charaborty said the situation in Kokrajhar was under control and steadily improving. “After the peace meeting, it was decided that relief camps are no longer required. People have been advised to return to their homes and villages, where security has been strengthened. Adequate forces, including the Army and two RAF teams, remain deployed. The DGP is camping here and personally monitoring the security situation,” he said.
Kokrajhar had witnessed widespread unrest following a mob lynching incident on January 19, allegedly triggered by a road accident at Gournagar. The incident sparked protests, clashes with security forces, arson and damage to public and private property, including police infrastructure. Several police personnel were injured during the violence.
In response, the Army was deployed, with four columns conducting flag marches in sensitive and vulnerable areas to reassure residents. A heavy security presence continues across the district. Internet services remain suspended as a precautionary measure, while Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), restricting the gathering of more than four persons, remains in force.
So far, 18 people have been arrested in connection with the violence. Authorities said sustained peace, community cooperation and vigilant security measures will be crucial to ensure that Kokrajhar fully returns to normalcy in the coming days.
