Police opened fire to control a violent protest at the Runikhata Forest Range Office along the India–Bhutan border in Assam’s Chirang district after clashes between demonstrators and security personnel escalated sharply.
According to officials, the situation spiralled out of control when protesters allegedly attacked police and forest personnel and resorted to heavy stone pelting. Security forces first used a baton charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd before opening fire, triggering panic in the area. Tension continues to prevail despite reinforcement of additional police personnel.
The unrest began on Thursday night after forest officials detained 25 individuals from the Adivasi community on charges of encroaching on protected forest land. They were kept at the Runikhata Range Office for questioning, which led to a large crowd gathering and gheraoing the office, demanding their immediate release.
The situation turned volatile after allegations surfaced that forest guards physically assaulted and harassed local women who had entered the premises during the confrontation. This further intensified public anger.
On Friday morning, protests turned violent in front of the Runikhata Police Station. Demonstrators torched several vehicles belonging to the forest department and damaged parts of the office building. Some protesters allegedly took away arms from forest guards, while others continued pelting stones, causing significant damage to property.
Earlier, a lathi charge during the protest had left a young woman injured, further fuelling the unrest.
Authorities have rushed in additional security forces, but the situation remains tense and volatile as efforts continue to restore normalcy in the area.