Guwahati, Apr 17: An eviction drive in the Runikhata area near the India-Bhutan border turned violent after Adivasi protesters confronted forest personnel on Friday morning.
The situation escalated as local residents, including a large number of women, staged protests demanding the release of individuals allegedly detained on charges of encroaching on reserved forest land.
According to reports, the protest intensified after the forest range office was gheraoed overnight, leading to a confrontation between demonstrators and forest officials.
The protest was organised by the All Adivasi Students’ Association (AASAA) and the All Santal Students’ Union (ASSU).
Protesters allegedly damaged forest department vehicles and attempted to set the range office on fire, triggering widespread chaos and continued clashes.
“One police personnel was injured, while another was hurt in stone-pelting. Forest officials detained 25 people during an eviction drive carried out late on Thursday night,” a police official said.
Meanwhile, additional police forces have been deployed to the area to bring the situation under control.
