[ Marina Dai  ]

ANINI, 21 May: An inspection of a forest fire here in Dibang Valley district allegedly turned violent after police and administrative officials confronted local farmers carrying out controlled burning connected to traditional jhum farming practices.

According to locals, three farmers working in their jhum fields were allegedly beaten by police personnel after Circle Officer Dr Tadang Rai visited the area following a verbal complaint about forest burning.

The farmers said they were carrying out controlled burning connected to jhum cultivation, a traditional farming practice.

Ajoh Mihu, whose father and uncle were among those allegedly assaulted, questioned the administration’s handling of the situation.

According to family members, “the CO visited the site and repeatedly ordered the farmers to stop the burning activity, which they claimed was almost complete.” They said that the officer identified himself as the magistrate of the area while confronting the farmers.

Mihu said, “Jhum cultivation and slash-and-burn practices have been followed here for generations. It is part of our traditional knowledge system and the way we farm. If the administration had concerns about fire, they could have issued prior notice or spoken to the farmers first. Why were farmers beaten at the jhum field instead of being warned?”

She also questioned why firefighting personnel or emergency response teams were not brought to the area if the main concern was controlling fire.

When contacted, Anini Police Station Officer-in-Charge Lokmay Bolok denied allegations of a lathi charge.

According to him, a verbal complaint regarding a forest fire had been received by the circle officer, who reportedly went alone to inspect the site.

The CO later called the police personnel, alleging that he was threatened with machetes.

When asked, one of the farmers said, “Since we were in the field, we were carrying machetes, but did not threaten the officer.” He further claimed that the confrontation escalated after the CO continued arguing with the farmers.

The farmers alleged that they were beaten up by Sub-Inspector (SG) Chote Lal Sahani and his police team from the Anini police station.

“The farmers have bruises on their bodies and have already gone to the hospital. How can the authorities say nobody was beaten?” Mihu said.

When contacted, CO Dr Rai said he had “no idea” about the matter.