Chirang District Sees Return to Calm After Violence; Arrests Made
Normalcy Restored in Runikhata
Chirang's Runikhata reels back to normalcy amidst security deployment (Photo: AT)
Chirang, April 20: The situation in Runikhata, located in Assam's Chirang district, is steadily stabilizing as law enforcement has apprehended multiple suspects linked to recent violent incidents.
According to Vivek Raj Singh, the Inspector General of Police for BTAD, a total of 22 individuals have been detained in relation to the unrest.
“We have identified and arrested 22 suspects based on various pieces of evidence, including video footage. We are also taking action against those who incited the violence,” Singh stated.
Previously, 15 individuals were taken into custody and later placed in judicial detention.
Singh assured that the situation is now under control, with police, CRPF, and RAF actively monitoring the area. Senior officials, including Chirang's Superintendent of Police Mohanlal Meena, are present on-site.
“The situation is stable now. Our forces are deployed, and we are working diligently to restore normalcy,” he added.
However, tensions escalated on Sunday evening when stone-pelting incidents occurred in Garubhasa as police attempted to detain those responsible for the unrest.
Two police constables sustained injuries from stones thrown at their team. The CRPF and RAF were quickly dispatched to prevent further disturbances.
A notification from the District Magistrate's Office in Chirang, dated April 20, encouraged individuals to come forward with any statements or evidence related to the incidents.
“Anyone wishing to provide their statement or evidence can do so at the Forest IB, located opposite the Runikhata Forest Range Office, Chirang,” the notice indicated.
Officials mentioned that internet services in Chirang and the adjacent Kokrajhar districts may soon be restored, pending approval from the relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, Kokrajhar Lok Sabha MP Jayanta Kumar Basumatary has called for a thorough and unbiased investigation while questioning the actions of BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary.
“I express my sorrow and condemnation regarding the incident. It should not have occurred,” Basumatary remarked.
He urged the authorities to ensure that only those guilty are penalized and that innocent individuals are not wrongfully detained during the enforcement actions.
“We have received reports that some innocent individuals have also been detained. I urge the administration to carefully review this matter,” he stated.
The MP highlighted that many affected Adivasi families are daily wage earners struggling to make ends meet and are currently facing significant difficulties.
Describing the incident as regrettable and preventable, Basumatary criticized the Forest Department for conducting the operation independently and questioned the timing of the nighttime operation.
“This is an unfortunate incident that should not have happened. A resolution must be sought,” he emphasized.
He further criticized BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary, noting that several violent incidents have occurred within five months following the council elections.
“Mohilary's response has been disappointing. Just because the Home Department is not under his jurisdiction, does it mean he should remain inactive? I wish to challenge him on this,” Basumatary concluded.
The region had experienced heightened tensions due to violence associated with a forest eviction initiative that sparked protests and clashes on April 16 and 17.