Ethnic Clashes in North East India

A few people were killed in the ethnic clashes that broke out between the Rabha and Garos communities along the Assam-Meghalaya border in the Goalpara district of Assam and East Garo hills. As many as 15 villages were set on fire in retaliatory violence. This was followed by a Curfew imposed in the East Garo hills.

The clashes were during the Christmas and New Year Celebrations when the Rabhas reportedly attacked a wedding party of the Garos. The Garos hit back and set Rabha villages on fire. Some shops were also looted at some places and the police had to resort to firing to disperse them.

Thousands of people got displaced around an army post. The Rabhas called for a 500-hour economic blockade to protest against the attacks.

Reason:

The tensions between the two ethnic groups at the border area have increased since long over the demand for Autonomous Councils.

Current Position:

On January 11, 2011, the home ministry team led by Joint secretary Shambu Singh visited the ethnic-violence-hit areas in the Resubelpara sub-division of the East Garo Hills. To him, the clashes appeared to be "well-planned" and he did not rule out the hand of "underground groups." The Government was considering sending more paramilitary forces after holding joint talks with officials of the East Garo Hills and Goalpara administration of Assam. By January 12, 2011 , around 50,000 people were displaced in the clashes between Garo and Rabha groups.