At least 15 people have been arrested in connection with Friday’s violent attack on the Runikhata Forest Range Office in Chirang district, where a mob allegedly vandalised the premises, looted arms, and set government vehicles on fire, police said on April 18.
Security has been tightened across the district following the violence near the India–Bhutan border. Chirang Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mohanlal Mena said strict action is being taken against those involved. “Stern action is being carried out against those who burned down the forest office,” he said.
According to officials, tensions began on April 16 after forest teams detained several locals for alleged encroachment and illegal land clearing inside the Ripu–Chirang Reserve Forest, which is part of Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park. A crowd gathered at the Runikhata office that night demanding their release but dispersed without any violence.
The situation escalated on Friday morning when a larger mob, armed with sticks, returned and attacked the premises. The group ransacked the office and residential quarters, set fire to seven to eight vehicles—including government jeeps—and allegedly tried to snatch weapons from forest guards. Several forest personnel were injured during the incident.
Police and forest staff responded with a lathi charge and used tear gas to disperse the crowd. As tensions rose, they also fired blank shots in the air.
Protesters claimed that forest personnel had assaulted them the previous day and alleged that two women were injured. The mob reportedly included members of the Santali community protesting the detention of alleged encroachers.
To prevent further escalation, the Assam government has suspended mobile internet services in Chirang and Kokrajhar district since Friday evening. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 have also been imposed, banning the assembly of five or more people.
Additional security forces have been deployed, and officials said the situation remains tense but under control.
Police have appealed to residents to remain calm and raise grievances through proper channels, emphasizing that violence and damage to public property will not resolve the issue.
