Chirang, April 17: A major law-and-order situation erupted at Runikhata in Chirang district after protesters turned violent during a forest eviction operation on Thursday.
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| Security forces confront protesters during violent clashes at Runikhata in Assam’s Chirang district amid a forest eviction drive, as police use tear gas to disperse the mob. (Screenshot from video) |
According to officials, the unrest began when forest authorities launched an eviction drive against alleged encroachment on forest land in the area near the India–Bhutan border. The situation escalated when hundreds of residents gathered and began protesting outside the local Forest Range Office.
The agitated crowd allegedly ransacked the office, damaging furniture and other infrastructure. The protest later spread onto National Highway 127, where demonstrators blocked vehicular movement. Several vehicles were vandalised, and multiple four-wheelers were reportedly set on fire during the chaos.
As clashes intensified, security forces used tear gas shells and opened fire to disperse the mob. Protesters were also accused of pelting stones at police personnel, leaving several injured, including one officer who sustained a head injury.
Officials further reported that firearms were looted from the forest office during the violence, raising serious security concerns.
A senior forest official said the eviction drive was conducted in accordance with government norms following reports of fresh encroachment on forest land. However, the outbreak of violence has heightened concerns over law and order in the sensitive border region.
Heavy deployment of police and security personnel continues in the area, and authorities said the situation remains tense but is currently under close monitoring.
