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NEW DELHI: Violent protests over alleged illegal non tribal settlement in Assam’s constitutionally protected Karbi Anglong hill region entered the third day on Wednesday, leaving two people dead, dozens injured, and prompting the state government to impose curfew-like restrictions and suspend mobile internet services in two districts.The violence erupted in West Karbi Anglong and adjoining Karbi Anglong district after long simmering tensions over land rights escalated into clashes between tribal protesters and security forces. One tribal protester died in police action, while a non tribal man was killed in a fire that gutted several shops in Kheroni, a small trading town that has emerged as the epicentre of the unrest, police said.

Security forces attacked, senior officers injured

Assam DGP Harmeet Singh said 48 police personnel, including senior officers, were injured after protesters armed with bows, arrows, crude bombs and stones attacked security forces. The DGP and IGP Law and Order Akhilesh Kumar Singh were among those injured during the clashes.Police said protesters attempted to take control of a bridge in the area and turned violent when stopped.“Today, they tried to take over the bridge, and when we tried to stop them, they attacked us. Crude bombs and stones were thrown. I was attacked with bows and arrows,” Singh said, adding that the police have video footage and will take legal action against those responsible.

Land rights and Sixth Schedule at the core

The protests are rooted in opposition by the Karbi community to what they allege is illegal encroachment by non tribal settlers on professional grazing reserve and village grazing reserve lands.The districts fall under the Karbi Anglong autonomous council, governed by the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which grants tribal regions autonomy over land, forests and local governance to protect indigenous communities.Residents have for over a year demanded eviction of alleged encroachers, saying unchecked settlement threatens tribal land rights.

Hunger strike, misinformation triggered violence

Tensions intensified after members of the Karbi community launched a hunger strike on December 6. The situation spiralled on Tuesday after police shifted some fasting protesters to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital due to deteriorating health.According to police, misinformation spread that a protest leader had been arrested, triggering anger and violence.“A huge crowd has gathered here since yesterday. I met the protestors and spoke with them. Last night, their leader was taken to Guwahati for a medical check-up as the doctors thought that his health was deteriorating because of the hunger strike. Still, someone spread misinformation that he is being arrested. Violence does not get anything for anybody,” DGP Harmeet Singh told reporters.

Talks announced, arson continues

State cabinet minister Ranoj Pegu, who met protesters at Kheroni earlier, said the group agreed to call off the hunger strike and participate in tripartite talks on December 26 involving the state government and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.“We assured the Karbi community that the government is serious about land rights and other tribal issues,” Pegu said, adding that discussions would address “broader issues related to existence of Karbi community.”Despite the assurance of talks, violence continued through the day, with shops and markets in Kheroni set ablaze. Police said a special investigation team has been formed and video footage is being examined to identify those involved in arson and attacks.

Internet suspended to prevent escalation

In response to the deteriorating law and order situation, the Assam government on Tuesday ordered suspension of internet and mobile data services in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts with immediate effect.“It is, however, clarified that the voice calls and the broadband connectivity based on fixed telephone lines shall remain functional during this period. Any violation of the promulgation will be punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and also under the relevant provision of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885,” said Biswajit Pegu, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Assam, Home and Political Department.The government said district magistrates warned that social media could be used to spread inflammatory messages and rumours, further aggravating tensions.

CM monitors situation, appeals for calm

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he was closely monitoring the situation and announced deployment of additional forces in Kheroni, about 250 km east of Guwahati.“It is deeply painful that two persons lost their lives during today’s unrest,” Sarma said in a post on X, offering condolences to the families of the deceased and assuring all possible support.Authorities said efforts are under way to restore calm, urging community leaders to restrain youths and prevent further violence ahead of the scheduled talks later this week.

Odisha’s forest department has ordered a special audit by the Accountant General into the procurement of 51 Thar vehicles.

BHUBANESWAR: The state government on Monday ordered a special audit by the Accountant General (AG) into the forest department’s purchase of Thar vehicles, amid allegations that the all-terrain SUVs were procured at prices far above prevailing market rates.In a letter to the AG (Audit-II), the forest department sought the deputation of an audit team to examine the procurement and customisation of Thar vehicles during the 2024–25 financial year. The audit will be conducted in the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) (Wildlife).

“I am directed to request the deputation of an audit team to conduct an audit in the office of the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) (wildlife) on the process of procurement and customisation of vehicles by the former in the financial year 2024-25,” the department stated in its communication to the AG.

Forest department officials said the audit would ascertain whether the Thar vehicles were purchased at rates significantly higher than market value. The customised all-terrain vehicles have been deployed across key wildlife divisions, including Similipal Tiger Reserve, Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary and several other forest and wildlife divisions.Apart from routine patrolling by frontline staff, the Thar vehicles are also used for jungle safaris and nature trails for tourists in protected areas, officials said.

According to sources, the department procured 51 Thar vehicles at an initial cost of around Rs 7 crore, with each unit priced at approximately Rs 14 lakh. A further Rs 5.02 crore was later spent on renovation and customisation, taking the total expenditure to about Rs 12.02 crore. Some official documents place the final cost at nearly Rs 12.35 crore, including all customisation expenses.The procurement came under scrutiny in March after BJD MLA Arun Kumar Sahoo raised the issue in the Odisha Assembly, seeking details on the purchase process and the additional spending on upgrades.Replying in the House, the minister said the Thar vehicles were purchased during the 2024–25 financial year and that each customised unit was fitted with 21 types of equipment. He added that the vehicles are currently being used for various field operations, including transporting fire-fighting equipment during forest fires, wildlife protection, curbing timber smuggling, and monitoring and rescue of tigers and other wild animals.

With the countdown to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 gathering pace, former England spinner Monty Panesar has shared his early predictions for the tournament’s semifinalists, sparking debate among fans and experts alike. Speaking in an exclusive interaction with KADAK, Panesar named four heavyweight teams he believes are best placed to reach the business end of the competition, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Monty Panesar shares his prediction for the top 4 teams of T20 World Cup 2026

According to Panesar, the semifinal lineup at the 2026 T20 World Cup will feature India, Australia, England, and South Africa. The former England international believes these four sides possess the right balance of experience, firepower, and tactical clarity needed to succeed in subcontinental conditions.

“I think South Africa, Australia, India, and England,” Panesar said.

“England defeats big teams; that is their strength. I don’t think New Zealand is that strong right now. South Africa is strong. India will be strong. Australia is also strong. England as well,” added Panesar.

The reasoning behind Panesar’s selections

Panesar’s backing of India is rooted in their familiarity with home conditions and the depth of talent available across formats. With a strong pool of batters, all-rounders, and varied bowling options, India are expected to be formidable on pitches they know well.

Australia, meanwhile, continue to thrive in ICC tournaments regardless of conditions. Panesar highlighted their mental toughness and ability to raise their game on the big stage, traits that have helped them dominate global events in recent years.

England’s inclusion reflects Panesar’s admiration for their fearless brand of white-ball cricket. Known for taking the game on against top opposition, England’s aggressive approach and tactical flexibility make them a dangerous knockout-stage opponent.

South Africa complete the quartet, with Panesar pointing to their current balance and growing belief in ICC events. Once labelled as perennial underachievers, the Proteas have recently shown greater composure in pressure situations, making them serious contenders.

Also READ: Shubman Gill dropped, Ishan Kishan & Rinku Singh return as India unveil squad for T20 World Cup 2026

New Zealand omission sparks debate

Perhaps the most talking point from Panesar’s predictions is the omission of New Zealand. Despite their reputation as tournament specialists, Panesar feels the Black Caps lack the same level of strength and momentum as his chosen four heading into 2026.

With nearly a year to go before the tournament begins, team combinations, form, and injuries could still alter the landscape. However, Panesar’s early call has added intrigue to the build-up, setting the stage for intense debate as the road to the T20 World Cup 2026 continues.

Also READ: Shubman Gill vs Sanju Samson T20I stats ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

The stock market is expected to hold firm at elevated levels and move within a narrow range, aided by supportive signals from global markets. (AI image)

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in red on Wednesday. While Nifty50 was near 25,150, BSE Sensex was below 85,500. At 9:16 AM, Nifty50 was trading at 26,157.20, down 20 points or 0.076%. BSE Sensex was at 85,454.65, down 70 points or 0.082%.Experts are of the view that activity is likely to stay muted in the coming sessions due to the shortened trading week due to the Christmas holiday. The stock market is expected to hold firm at elevated levels and move within a narrow range, aided by supportive signals from global markets.Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited says, “As 2025 draws to a close the market appears to be moving to a consolidation phase with an upward bias. The strong domestic macros and the supportive earnings growth expectations in Q3 and Q4 of FY26 and for FY27 will provide the fundamental support to the market. The sustained domestic inflows and consistent DII buying will impart resilience to the market. However, since FIIs may sell the rallies, a sharp breakout is unlikely. Also, the revival of the AI trade in the US might impact sentiments in favour of a ‘non-AI trade’ in markets like India.” “The RBI decision to do an additional OMO to the tune of Rs 2 lakh crores will significantly enhance liquidity and bring down yields. This is positive for credit growth and banking stocks. This can be a shot in the arm for banking stocks which are fairly valued.”Wall Street ended higher on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 finishing at an all-time high after a series of economic indicators were released. Among these was the GDP growth number that lifted bond yields and boosted interest in growth-oriented stocks.Asian equities opened on a positive note, tracking the overnight rally in the S&P 500, which was underpinned by data indicating that the US economy expanded at its strongest rate in two years.Gold crossed the $4,500 per ounce threshold on Wednesday for the first time, supported by increased demand for safe-haven assets and expectations that the US central bank could lower interest rates further next year. Silver and platinum also climbed to fresh record levels.In the domestic market, foreign portfolio investors were net sellers of equities worth Rs 1,795 crore on Tuesday, while domestic institutional investors stepped in as net buyers with purchases of Rs 3,812 crore.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

Rohit Sharma (Video Grab)

NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma‘s return to domestic cricket was meant to be low-key — a training session, some quiet preparation and a walk back to the dressing room. Instead, his first Vijay Hazare Trophy outing in Jaipur delivered a reminder of the frenzy that still follows one of India’s biggest sporting icons.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!On Tuesday, a video surfaced showing Rohit being hounded by fans for selfies after finishing his net session at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.As the Mumbai batter walked towards the dressing-room corridor, a group of supporters crowded around him, jostling for space and attempting to get close for photographs. The situation escalated when one fan behaved inappropriately and nearly breached the players’ restricted area, forcing security personnel to intervene.

Rohit appeared visibly irritated but chose not to engage with the crowd.He continued walking as officials quickly moved in, ushering fans away from the corridor and shutting the passage doors to prevent further intrusion. The clip soon went viral, sparking fresh debate around fan entitlement and the thin line between admiration and intrusion.The episode comes at a time when star appearances in domestic cricket are drawing unusual attention. Rohit is in Jaipur as Mumbai begin their Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign in Elite Group C, starting with matches against Sikkim on December 24 and Uttarakhand on December 26. His presence alone has transformed a typically low-profile domestic fixture into a high-security event.WATCH:Organisers in Jaipur have already anticipated a sharp spike in attendance, with thousands expected to turn up largely to watch Rohit in action.With the former Indian captain now playing only one international format, his domestic outings are also being closely tracked as part of his preparation between international assignments.The Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), mindful of recent crowd-control challenges at the venue, has stepped up security arrangements. “We have arranged comprehensive police security as well as private bouncers. I have personally met the Additional SP (South), who has assured full support,” ad hoc convener Deendayal Kumawat said. “All arrangements are firmly in place, as seen during the practice session.”The RCA has also readied the stadium facilities, cleaning the premises and planning to open the North and East stands initially, with more sections available if required.