Assam: Violence Erupts at Runikata Forest Office in Chirang, Vehicles Torched, Police Fire in Air
Clashes at Runikata Forest Office in Assam’s Chirang district leave several injured as police resort to firing in the air.
CHIRANG — A violent clash broke out on Friday at the Runikata Forest Range Office in Assam’s Chirang district, resulting in injuries to security personnel and destruction of property, officials said.
The unrest reportedly began near the India–Bhutan border following the detention of several individuals accused of encroaching on reserved forest land. In response, a large group of protesters gathered and marched toward the forest office, demanding their immediate release.
What began as a protest escalated into violence as the crowd entered the premises, vandalised infrastructure, and set fire to multiple vehicles, including government jeeps and motorcycles. Initial estimates suggest that seven to eight vehicles were damaged in the incident.
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Videos circulating on social media appeared to show attempts by some protesters to confront forest personnel and allegedly seize weapons, further intensifying the situation.
Security forces, comprising Assam Police and forest officials, first attempted to disperse the crowd using a lathi-charge and tear gas. As tensions escalated, personnel fired blank rounds in the air to bring the situation under control and prevent further damage.
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According to officials, the situation remains tense but is currently under control, with additional forces deployed to prevent further escalation. Senior officers, including the district police leadership, are monitoring developments on the ground.
In response to the incident, authorities have suspended mobile internet services in Chirang and neighbouring Kokrajhar districts to curb the spread of misinformation and prevent mobilisation through digital platforms.
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (earlier Section 144 of the CrPC) have also been imposed, restricting the assembly of five or more persons in the affected areas.
The incident underscores continuing tensions around land and forest rights in parts of Assam, particularly in regions where enforcement actions intersect with local livelihood concerns. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
