Chirang: What began as a forest land encroachment attempt last Friday night escalated into violence in Runikhata along the India-Bhutan border, leaving several injured, government property damaged, and over twenty people arrested.

According to ground reports by DY365, a group of individuals allegedly entered a highly sensitive zone under the Bhur Forest Division of Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park with the intent to occupy forest land. Acting on intelligence inputs, Forest Department officials reached the spot and directed them to vacate the area. However, the group reportedly defied the order and made a second attempt to encroach upon the land.

Forest personnel subsequently detained several men and brought them to the Runikhata Forest Office on Friday night. As news of the detention spread, a group of women gathered and marched to the office, attempting to secure their release.

Allegations later surfaced that forest personnel assaulted the detainees and misbehaved with women, including accusations of inappropriate physical contact. However, officials have neither confirmed nor accepted these claims so far.

Visuals accessed from the scene suggest that the detainees were counselled by forest officials and made to take an oath before being released later that night.

The situation took a violent turn on Friday morning, when protests erupted in Runikhata. Several four-wheelers and two-wheelers were vandalised at the Forest Office premises. Protesters allegedly attacked police and forest personnel, while even a DY365 journalist's vehicle was damaged during the unrest.

Police have since launched a detailed investigation. More than twenty individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence and produced before a court. Senior Superintendent of Police Mohan Lal Meena is currently stationed in Runikhata, while BTC IGP Vivek Raj Singh is personally overseeing the law and order situation.

In a parallel development, the Chirang district administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. Additional District Commissioner Sangeeta Sarkar has been assigned to conduct the probe. A public hearing has been scheduled for April 23 between 11 AM and 3 PM at the Forest Inspection Bungalow located opposite the Runikhata Forest Office. The district officials have invited individuals and groups to submit statements and evidence.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP and UPPL chief Pramod Boro weighed in on the situation, stating that during the current BPF regime, internet services had to be suspended twice, whereas under UPPL rule there was peace. He added that despite being mocked earlier for advocating peace, the UPPL party remains confident of stability. On the upcoming elections, Boro said his party is in a "comfortable position" and expects to secure 10 to 12 seats.

The incident dates back to April 17, when violent activities were reported at the Runikhata Forest Range Office during protests. Those arrested in connection with the case include Mathias Soren, Bijoy Murmu, Parimal Mardi, Sujit Mardi, Tembo Tudu, Suniram Mardi, Kistu Hembrom, Songkhe Baske, Prabhat Hasda, Andriyas Murmu, Raizen Kudu, Ajit Murmu, Suphal Hasda, Hemant Kumar Murmu, Limson Murmu, Jimei Soren, Jahila Mardi, Mangal Kisku, Sunu Tudu, Gobang Kisku and Saful Kisku.

Officials said 15 people were initially arrested and sent to judicial custody, followed by the arrest of seven more, taking the total number of arrests to 22.

The situation in Chirang is currently under control, with heavy deployment of security forces including the Rapid Action Force, CRPF, and local police. Senior officers continue to camp in the district to monitor developments and prevent further escalation.

From Eviction to Violence: How a Forest Operation Triggered Chaos in Assam's Chirang