Kokrajhar Clashes Erupt: RAF Deployed Amidst Internet Suspension

Clashes reportedly erupted between Bodos and tribals in Assam’s Kokrajhar district on Tuesday (January 20, 2026), following mob violence in which one person was killed. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) was deployed, and Internet/mobile data services were temporarily suspended, officials said. On Monday night (January 19, 2026), a vehicle carrying three Bodos struck two tribals on Mansingh Road, near the Karigaon outpost under the Kokrajhar police station, according to a Home Department official. The three Bodos were beaten by neighbouring tribal villagers and the vehicle was torched, and one person died in the incident. On Tuesday (January 20, 2026), the situation flared as both the Bodo and the tribal communities blocked the National Highway adjacent to Karigaon outpost. They burned tyres and a few houses, set a government office ablaze, and attacked the Karigaon police outpost, he said. The Rapid Action Force has been deployed to contain and prevent any further deterioration of the law and order situation. Apprehensive that social media and the Internet may be used to further spread inflammatory messages and rumors, the Home Department has temporarily suspended the Internet and mobile data services of all mobile service providers in the entire district until further notice. Voice calls and the broadband connectivity based on fixed telephone lines shall remain functional during this period.