Bodo–Adivasi Tension in Kokrajhar,Assam Two Dead; Heavy Security Deployed

Kokrajhar, Assam | January 21, 2026
Fresh violence erupted between the Bodo and Adivasi communities in Kokrajhar district of Assam on January 20–21, 2026, following a local incident that quickly escalated into communal clashes. The unrest left at least two people dead, several others injured, and prompted the authorities to impose strict security measures, including suspension of mobile internet services.
According to official sources, the trouble began late on the night of Monday, January 20, after a roadside incident in a village area of the district. What initially appeared to be a local dispute soon took a serious turn as rumours spread rapidly, inflaming tensions between the two communities. By early Tuesday, January 21, clashes had broken out in multiple locations, with reports of stone-pelting, arson, and road blockades.
Several houses, vehicles, and public property were damaged during the violence. Panic spread across nearby villages, forcing many residents to remain indoors, while some families reportedly shifted to safer places fearing further escalation. The sudden flare-up disrupted normal life, with shops closed and vehicular movement severely affected.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the district administration ordered the suspension of mobile internet services in Kokrajhar and adjoining areas from January 21, 2026, to prevent the spread of misinformation and inflammatory messages on social media. Prohibitory orders restricting large gatherings were also imposed in sensitive areas to maintain law and order.
The Assam government deployed additional police forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), to control the situation. Given the seriousness of the clashes, units of the Indian Army were also deployed in vulnerable locations to assist the civil administration. Security forces carried out flag marches, route patrols, and night surveillance to reassure the public and deter further violence.
Senior officials stated that by the evening of January 21, the situation was largely under control but tense. Several individuals were detained for their alleged involvement in the violence, and investigations are underway to identify those responsible for instigating the clashes. Authorities warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found spreading rumours or attempting to disturb communal harmony.
Appeals for peace and restraint were issued by the district administration and community leaders from both the Bodo and Adivasi sides. Officials emphasized that violence only leads to loss of lives and property and urged citizens to cooperate with security forces.
Kokrajhar is part of the Bodoland Territorial Region, an area with a history of ethnic tensions rooted in social and political complexities. While relations between communities have been largely peaceful in recent years, officials noted that small incidents can quickly escalate if fuelled by fear and misinformation.
By late January 21, 2026, limited normalcy began to return, with some shops reopening under heavy security presence. Authorities said restrictions would be reviewed and relaxed gradually depending on ground conditions. The administration continues to monitor the situation closely and has urged people to rely only on official information and maintain peace.