forest-office-torched-in-chirang-over-encroachment-detentions

A violent mob on Friday attacked and vandalised the Runikhata range forest office in Assam’s Chirang district, injuring several forest personnel and torching government vehicles after escalating protests over the detention of locals accused of encroaching reserved forest land.

 

The incident occurred near the Bhutan border, where the Ripu–Chirang Reserve Forest, part of the Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park area, has witnessed tension since Thursday after forest staff detained several individuals for alleged illegal clearing and cutting of forest land.

 

According to a forest personnel who spoke to reporters, the situation turned violent after a group gathered and attacked the office premises.

 

“The mob vandalised the forest office and residential quarters and torched vehicles on the premises,” he said.

 

He added that some of his colleagues sustained injuries during the attack.

 

Tensions had begun on Thursday night when locals gheraoed the forest office demanding the unconditional release of those detained. The crowd dispersed without violence at that stage.

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However, on Friday morning, a larger group allegedly armed with sticks and other weapons assembled again and went on a rampage, accusing forest personnel of assaulting villagers during the earlier detentions, including claims that two women protestors were injured.

 

The mob also set fire to furniture and blocked roads near the office, escalating the situation further. Stones were reportedly placed on roads to prevent movement, while burning materials were used to obstruct access routes.

 

Police and civil administration officials rushed to the spot to restore order as tensions spread in the area. Senior officers attempted to persuade the crowd to disperse and submit formal complaints regarding allegations against forest staff.

 

A senior police officer urged restraint, stating, “Give the local administration time to probe into your allegations. Blocking the road and damaging government property are no solutions.”

 

Authorities are expected to assess the damage and review the sequence of events that led to the violence, while security has been tightened in the area to prevent further escalation.