Tensions erupted in Assam’s Chirang district along the India-Bhutan border after a protest outside the Runikhata Forest Range Office turned violent, leaving several people injured and prompting heightened security deployment in the area.

The unrest began late Thursday night when local residents, many of them women, gathered and gheraoed the forest office demanding the release of individuals detained in connection with alleged encroachment on reserved forest land. The situation escalated after forest personnel used a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.

According to local accounts, a young woman sustained serious injuries during the lathi charge, which intensified anger among protesters. Demonstrators claimed they had assembled peacefully to seek the release of those detained, alleging that excessive force was used by authorities in response to their protest.

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On the following day, the situation deteriorated further as fresh protests broke out in the area. Clashes were reported between demonstrators and security personnel, with instances of stone pelting from the crowd that left several police personnel injured. In response, security forces reportedly opened fire to bring the situation under control, further escalating tensions.

Officials stated that force was used in order to maintain law and order amid the growing unrest. However, with injuries reported on both sides and continued tension in the locality, the region remains volatile as authorities work to restore calm and prevent further escalation.

Security has been tightened across the affected area, and additional forces have been deployed to monitor the situation and prevent any further outbreaks of violence.

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