Violent Protests Erupt in Chirang Over Forest Eviction Drive

Tensions Rise in Runikhata Amid Protests

Chirang, April 17: A wave of unrest swept through Runikhata, located along the India–Bhutan border in Assam’s Chirang district, on Friday. This turmoil was sparked by an eviction operation aimed at addressing alleged encroachments on protected forest land, leading to violent confrontations between forest officials and Adivasi demonstrators.

The situation escalated at the Runikhata Forest Range Office, where protests organized by the All Adivasi Students’ Association (AASAA) and the All Santal Students’ Union (ASSU) turned chaotic, with reports indicating that forest personnel resorted to gunfire to manage the crowd.

Officials reported that the unrest intensified as enraged protesters set fire to at least four vehicles belonging to the forest department and attempted to ignite the Range Officer's office. Ongoing clashes and gunfire were noted as tensions continued to rise.

At least one police officer sustained injuries during the violence, with another suffering a head injury from stone-throwing.

This outbreak of violence followed a confrontation late Thursday night, when forest officials detained 25 Adivasi individuals during the eviction process. In retaliation, local residents, including many women, gathered at the Range Office demanding their release.

As tensions escalated, authorities allegedly employed force, including baton charges, to disperse the crowd. Reports indicate that several women were seriously injured and required medical attention in Kajalgaon.

Locals also engaged in stone-pelting against forest vehicles, damaging at least one, with the incident occurring near the Runikhata Police Station.

Serious allegations have surfaced from Adivasi groups and local residents, claiming that women who entered the Forest Range Office were subjected to physical assault and molestation.

“The Runikhata Forest Department has brutally attacked and assaulted over 50 women. If encroachment was an issue, it should have been addressed through lawful means. Instead, individuals were unlawfully detained and mistreated. Eviction drives must follow proper notice protocols. We demand the immediate dismissal of the involved officials and a thorough investigation,” stated a representative from the All Santal Students’ Union.

A local woman recounted, “Women went to the office to demand the release of those detained. They were attacked with batons and gunbutts. We lack land pattas, and others are also residing on the same land.”

Residents highlighted ongoing land insecurity, noting that many Adivasi families have lost their properties due to river erosion and past ethnic conflicts in 1996 and 1998, which forced them to occupy forest land.

Another resident remarked, “Our lands have been washed away. Officials even assaulted children. The detained individuals are still not released.”

In a particularly grave allegation, an Adivasi woman claimed that officials “touched us inappropriately and assaulted us,” adding that some personnel appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

Organizations such as AASAA and ASSU have raised concerns about what they perceive as selective enforcement, arguing that while various communities inhabit the same forest land, enforcement actions have disproportionately targeted Adivasis.

Both groups have announced plans for protests across the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), demanding accountability for those involved. Authorities have yet to provide a comprehensive official statement regarding the incident, as tensions remain high in the area.