Chirang (Assam), 19 April (HS): Police have arrested six more accused on Sunday in connection with the arson incident at the Runikhata Forest Office in Chirang district, taking the total number of arrested persons to 21 so far.

Earlier, 15 individuals had been arrested on Friday night, while the latest arrests were made as part of ongoing operations to identify those involved in the violence. The incident dates back to April 17, when tensions escalated during a protest by some local Adivasi groups against an eviction drive to clear forest land encroachments.

According to reports, the situation had already turned tense following the arrest of around 25 people on April 16 during the eviction operation. The unrest later spiraled into violence, with an agitated mob setting fire to vehicles and property within the premises of the Runikhata Forest Office.

Following the incident, the administration has intensified security arrangements in the area. Personnel from the Rapid Action Force have been deployed to maintain law and order, and officials stated that the situation is gradually returning to normal.

Meanwhile, internet services remain suspended in Chirang and Kokrajhar districts to prevent the spread of rumors and misinformation in the wake of the violence.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash