Key Points:
- Violent Clash: One person killed, multiple injured as settlers attack police during eviction in Paikan Reserve Forest.
- Retaliatory Action: Police fired in self-defense after being pelted with stones and attacked with sticks.
- Ongoing Tensions: Additional forces deployed as forest department digs channel to prevent future encroachment.
Deadly Clash Erupts During Assam Eviction Drive
Goalpara, Assam – A government-led eviction drive in Assam’s Goalpara district took a violent turn on Thursday, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries after settlers clashed with police and forest officials. The incident occurred in the Paikan Reserve Forest, where authorities were attempting to clear encroachments.
According to officials, forest guards and police personnel were met with fierce resistance when they arrived to cordon off a section of the protected forest. Alleged encroachers reportedly attacked security forces with sticks and stones, leaving several officers wounded.
Police Retaliate After Violent Assault
Akhilesh Kumar Singh, Inspector General of Police (Law & Order), Assam, confirmed that multiple officers were injured, with two in serious condition. “During a joint patrol by police and the forest department, miscreants launched a sudden attack, pelting stones and assaulting personnel. In response, security forces had to take defensive action,” Singh stated.
The situation quickly spiraled out of control, leading police to open fire. One settler was killed, while two others sustained injuries. Officials reported that some of the attackers were individuals previously evicted during an earlier operation on Saturday.
Preventing Future Encroachment
The forest department had been digging a channel to secure the reserve’s boundaries and deter further illegal settlements. “The work was proceeding peacefully until today when the team was ambushed,” an official told PTI.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the state’s aggressive stance against encroachments, revealing that 1,19,548 bighas of land have been reclaimed since his government took office.
With tensions still high, additional security forces have been deployed to maintain order in the area. Authorities remain on high alert as investigations into the clash continue.
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