Ambassa: Sept 25: A four-hour blockade of the Assam-Agartala National Highway at Nakul Para in Longtharai Hills was lifted today after the Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDO) reached the spot and gave written assurances to protesting residents following allegations of firing by a Forest Department patrol team.
Residents alleged that the patrol team fired three rounds during a confrontation over tree cutting in the forest. No one was injured, they claimed, but the incident created tension and prompted the residents to block the highway, disrupting vehicular movement.
The incident reportedly took place around 11.30 am when some residents were collecting bamboo, bamboo shoots and other forest produce for their livelihood. According to the Forest Department, its patrol team reached the area and stopped them from cutting trees, following which an altercation broke out. A forest worker sustained a head injury during the confrontation.
The injured worker reportedly stated that the team was attacked when it tried to stop the tree cutting and that the three rounds were fired in self-defence.
Residents, however, alleged that the patrol team fired at them, leaving them frightened. They demanded action against those responsible and sought intervention from senior Forest Department officials.
Ambassa police, led by OC Nandan Das, reached the spot, followed by SDPO Nirupam Dutta, who held talks with the protesters. The blockade continued as residents demanded the presence of Forest Department officials.
After about four hours, Ambassa SDFO (Forest) Gautam Debbarma reached the spot. He assured them in writing that appropriate legal action would be taken after an inquiry into alleged violations of legal precautions, future operations would follow required procedures, and compensation would be provided to a woman allegedly mistreated during the incident.
The residents subsequently withdrew the blockade and traffic movement resumed.
