Overview

• Security forces have reinforced the cordon around Paikan Reserve Forest and barred entry to prevent further unrest.
• Authorities arrested 21 individuals linked to the July 17 eviction clash after settlers attacked police and forest personnel with stones, lathis and spears.
• Police firing during the confrontation killed a 19-year-old settler and wounded three others, while 21 security staff sustained injuries.
• Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Congress leaders of inciting the violence and vowed to continue forest reclamation drives in Uriamghat.
• Civil and political organizations including CPI(M), Raijor Dal, AIUDF, SFI and AAMSU are calling for a judicial probe, compensation and an immediate halt to forced evictions.