Tensions Escalate in Assam as Clashes Erupt Over Forest Land Eviction Drive

Assam’s Chirang district has witnessed violent clashes between forest officials and Adivasi protesters following an eviction drive intended to remove alleged encroachments on reserved forest land. This incident, reported by various local news outlets, has highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding land rights and indigenous communities in the region.

The situation escalated on Thursday night when forest officials detained approximately 25 Adivasi individuals accused of encroaching on the Ripu-Chirang Reserve Forest. In response to the detentions, a significant number of local residents, including many women, converged at the Runikhata Forest Range Office, demanding the release of those apprehended. Forest personnel, however, managed to disperse the gathering. Protesters later claimed that some of their members were assaulted during this confrontation.

On Friday morning, the atmosphere turned more volatile when a larger crowd assembled at the forest office, leading to allegations of vandalism. Reports indicate that protesters attempted to set fire to several forest department vehicles and even attempted to ignite the office building itself. Tensions flared further when police arrived on the scene and used batons to disperse the crowd. In a dramatic turn of events, forest personnel reportedly fired shots in an effort to control the escalating situation. The aftermath of the clash left over 30 individuals injured, mostly police officers, while four protesters were taken into custody.

In light of the violence, the government of Assam has suspended internet and data services in the Chirang and Kokrajhar districts to prevent the spread of misinformation and further unrest. Both districts fall within the Bodoland Territorial Region, an area that has seen its fair share of conflict and unrest over land rights and governance.

The All Adivasi Students’ Association and the All Santal Students’ Union, which played a key role in organizing the protests, have alleged that the state’s actions reflect a systemic disregard for indigenous rights and land ownership. As the situation develops, local leaders and activists are calling for dialogue to address the deep-rooted issues of land allocation and indigenous rights in the region.

Source: scroll.in