Diphu, Jan 11: Forest officials aided by Police and CRPF personals thwarted encroachment attempts in Matipung District Council Reserved Forest (DCRF) land on the outskirt of Diphu town today. Large number of women from nearby Rongchingrum, Rongmili and Rongmarjong gather in the wee hours of the morning daily since the last two weeks and clear the area of bushes and small trees with the purpose and occupying the forest land. They would leave at dawn, informed Deputy Ranger Babul Rongpi of central range under west division.
Since yesterday, they have started clearing the area in broad daylight. This morning, when officials from our department requested the women to leave the area as it is government land, they reacted violently and refused to leave, added Rongpi.
Forest department officials immediately informed the district administration fearing occurrence of any untoward incident after which police and CRPF personals were rushed to the spot to diffuse the tension. Karbi Anglong ADC M. Ahmed also visited the spot and spoke with the women. The women finally left after Ahmed explained the legal consequences of encroaching forest land.
