Tensions at Assam-Arunachal Border: DFO, forest officials rescued by Assam police

Tensions brew yet again in the Assam-Arunachal border when Assam forest personnel were detained at Ranga Reserve Forest along the border.

A Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) from the Assam side and his team were allegedly kept hostage for over two hours when they went to inspect an encroachment site.

DFO Ashok Dev Choudhury and a team of forest officials had gone to the spot to serve a notice to the encroachers to vacate the area.

However, in a shocking turn of events, the alleged encroachers kept the DFO and his team hostage for around 2 hours. Reportedly, Choudhury’s laptop and other important official documents were also seized.

DFO Choudhury had visited the area after reports of illegal encroachment reached the concerned officials from  Assam.

The forest department from Assam claimed that encroachment had taken place from the Arunachal side into Assam’s territory.

As per reports, the alleged encroachers have constructed a road in the area and have even set up a tea garden after having occupied hectares of Assam land.

The Ronga Reserve Forest falls along the inter-state border between Papum Pare district in Arunachal and Lakhimpur district in Assam.

It was only after a police team was sent to the spot by the Lakhimpur district authorities that the DFO and his team were let off.

A police team from the Arunachal side also reached the spot and talks were held following which the matter was resolved for the time being.

Tensions in Ranga reserve forest are nothing new as tensions have arisen in the past too due in the area requiring authorities to step in too.