DIPHU, March 15 � Police today opened fire to disperse a mob which allegedly attempted to occupy forest land and settle on it in Karbi Anglong district but there was no casualty or injury in the firing, reports PTI.
Hundreds of people, armed with sharp weapons, gathered in the forest land near Diphu and attempted to occupy it. Police rushed to the spot and asked them to clear the area but they refused following which they were tear-gassed and fired upon, police said.
The police claimed that there was no injury or casualty in the firing and the people also dispersed from the area. The situation in the area is currently tense but under control, the police said, adding four persons were arrested in this connection.
Earlier on March 13, some people had attempted to encroach on forest land near Diphu, but police and forest officials rushed to the spot and stopped them, police said.
At a meeting yesterday, the Forest officials maintained that the land belongs to the Forest Department and it will not be given for human settlement.
Diphu Correspondent adds: Armed miscreants had entered Khukuribasti village, about a kilometre from Rangapahar under Dhansiri PS, and set on fire 10 houses, ASP (Border) S Ali Ahmed said.
Local people said, one Sunil Dutta, who had married a Naga woman a few months back, had settled in the area and asked the local people to vacate the area.
