Chirang: Chirang district witnessed a serious law-and-order situation after a clash broke out between the Forest Department and local Adivasi villagers in the Deosri–Runikhata area. The situation remained out of control throughout the day.
According to reports, on Thursday night, a team of forest officials led by Forest Officer Jashmanik Mushahari conducted an eviction drive in Deosri. Around 25 people from the Adivasi community were detained on allegations of encroaching on forest land. This action triggered anger among local residents.
Soon after the detention, hundreds of villagers gathered and surrounded the forest office in Runikhata, staging a strong protest. Chirang DFO Kunjan Basumatary tried to calm the protesters, but tensions continued to rise.
On Friday morning, the situation worsened. A large crowd, armed with sticks, stones, and wooden objects, again surrounded the DFO office. The protest turned violent as people pelted stones, broke the main gate, and vandalized the office.
The situation escalated further when protesters set fire to government property. Around 4–5 official vehicles and several motorcycles were completely burnt. Some firearms reportedly stored in the office were also destroyed in the fire.
As the situation went out of control, police took strict action. They fired warning shots in the air and used lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Senior police officials from Kokrajhar and BTAD later reached the spot and brought the situation under control. Bongai gaon SSP Nomal Mahato also appealed to the protesters, after which the tension gradually eased.
At present, the entire area has been turned into a high-security zone. Police, paramilitary forces, and Rapid Action Force have been deployed. Internet services have been suspended in Chirang and Kokrajhar districts to prevent further tension and the spread of rumours.
Meanwhile, another serious allegation has made the situation more sensitive. It has been alleged that women among those detained were mistreated by forest officials. This has further increased anger among locals. A high-level investigation has already been initiated into the matter.
This incident highlights how sensitive issues like land rights, identity, and administrative actions can quickly turn into major conflicts.
AASAA Strongly Condemns the Incident
The All Assam Adivasi Students’ Association (AASAA) has strongly condemned the incident, calling it “inhuman” and “against democratic values.”
AASAA President Rezan Horo said, “We are deeply hurt by what happened in Chirang. The way the Adivasi people have been treated is completely unacceptable.”
The organization questioned why such actions were taken against innocent Adivasi people who claim to be living on their own land.
AASAA also accused the government of failing to implement the Forest Rights Act, 2005, which is meant to ensure land rights for Adivasi communities. According to the organization, this shows continued neglect and injustice towards them.
The group also raised serious concerns about the alleged detention of Adivasi women at night without the presence of women police, calling it a violation of law and human rights.
AASAA has placed several demands before the government, including:
- A high-level and fair investigation
- Strict action against those responsible
- Protection of land rights for Adivasi communities
The organization warned that if their demands are not met, they will launch a democratic protest movement across Assam.
