A large crowd gathered and gheraoed the forest office, demanding the immediate release of those held
Digital Desk: Today Morning, a violent protest broke out at the Runikhata Forest Range Office along the Indo-Bhutan border in Assam’s Chirang district, leaving several vehicles torched and multiple injuries reported.
The unrest began on Thursday night after forest officials detained 25 people from the Adivasi community on charges of illegally encroaching on protected forest land. They were held at the range office for questioning, which triggered widespread anger among locals.
As news of the detentions spread, a large crowd gathered and gheraoed the forest office, demanding the immediate release of those held. Tensions escalated further when some local women alleged that they were physically assaulted and harassed by forest guards during the confrontation.
Today morning, the situation turned violent when protesters set fire to vehicles belonging to the forest department and parts of the office building near Runikhata Police Station. Some members of the mob were also seen taking away arms from forest guards, while others pelted stones at the office, causing significant damage.
As the violence intensified, police personnel resorted to a baton charge and later fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Although additional security forces have been deployed to the area, the situation remains tense and volatile.
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