BJP Government Cuts Internet in Assam to Suppress Tribal Protests Against Land Theft
April 18, 2026The BJP government in Assam has silenced the public by shutting down mobile internet. This move follows violent protests where tribal groups are fighting for their survival. By cutting off data in districts like Chirang and Kokrajhar the state is trying to hide its brutal actions from the world. This is not just a policy decision but a direct attack on the people. The government is using fear to stop anyone who speaks up against the theft of their land and the erasure of their identity.
The State Attacks Tribal Communities
The internet ban came after authorities detained twenty five tribal members in Runikhata. This sparked massive anger and led to clashes between the people and security forces. Protesters attacked government property while the police responded with live fire. This cycle of violence shows that the state cares more about power than human lives. Opening fire on citizens is a clear sign of a government that has lost its way and is now using weapons to crush its own people.
India is the World Leader in Digital Suppression
India holds the shameful title of the world leader in internet shutdowns. Reports from groups like Access Now confirm that India uses this tactic more than any other nation. With over one hundred shutdowns in 2023 alone it is clear that the government uses these bans as a weapon to control information. By killing the internet the state prevents the world from seeing the truth about its heavy handed tactics. It is a common strategy to hide human rights abuses and keep the public in the dark.
Tribal Land is Under Constant Threat
The core issue in districts like Karbi Anglong and Hojai is land ownership. Tribal communities have lived on this land for centuries but now they face displacement. The government is pushing policies that favor outsiders and threaten the demographic balance of the region. Even though tribal rights are protected by the constitution the current administration chooses to ignore these laws. People are not just protesting for land they are fighting for their right to exist in their ancestral homes.
Broken Promises and Growing Anger
Decades of peace accords have done little to change the reality for the people of Assam. Agreements like the 2020 Bodo Accord remain largely unfulfilled. When the state fails to honor its own promises it creates a deep sense of betrayal. The recent violence is a direct result of this frustration. The government expects the people to stay quiet while their rights are stripped away but this approach is only leading to more rebellion and instability.
The High Price of State Oppression
Statistics show that while large insurgencies may have faded local protests against state policies are rising. Thousands have been arrested under strict security laws that allow for abuse of power. The heavy presence of armed forces makes the region feel like an occupied zone. When the state treats its own citizens as enemies it destroys any hope for unity. The government must understand that using force will never win the hearts of the people it rules.
The Economic Pain of Internet Bans
Shutting down the internet is a form of collective punishment that hurts the poorest citizens. Students cannot study and small businesses cannot operate without access to the web. This causes massive economic damage to families already struggling to survive. The government claims this is for public safety but it is really a way to make the people feel weak and isolated. It is an unfair tactic that prioritizes political control over the basic needs of the public.
Why the Current Path Leads to Disaster
The BJP government is making a dangerous mistake by forcing its agenda on the tribal people. Trying to impose a single national identity while ignoring local culture is a recipe for conflict. The protests are a desperate defense of identity. If the state continues to ignore these concerns the situation will only get worse. Force can hold people down for a short time but it cannot create long term peace or stability.
The Urgent Need for Real Change
The state must stop using its military and its internet bans to handle social issues. The only path forward is honest dialogue and a commitment to protecting tribal land rights. The government needs to immediately restore the internet and hold those responsible for the violence accountable. This is the only way to rebuild any kind of trust. If they continue to act like an occupying force they will only guarantee that the cycle of violence continues forever.

