In Chirang district of Assam, police have arrested 15 individuals following violent protests against the detention of 25 locals for alleged forest encroachment. The unrest began after the forest department detained these locals during an operation in the Runikhata forest range, leading to a protest demanding their release. The situation escalated as protesters accused the forest department of selectively targeting Adivasi communities while allowing others to encroach on forest land. Violence erupted, resulting in injuries to over 20 people, including 15 police officers and forest officials. Police responded with a lathi charge and blank firing to control the situation. The arrested individuals face serious charges, including attempt to murder and rioting, under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The Assam government has suspended mobile internet services in Chirang and Kokrajhar to prevent further unrest, with additional police forces deployed in the area.