Protesters set ablaze KAAC chief's house in Assam's Diphu, 4 injured in police firing

Diphu, Dec 22 (PTI) Four persons, including a policeman, were injured when security forces opened fire on protesters who went on a rampage, setting ablaze the residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) chief Tuliram Ronghang in Assam’s Diphu on Monday, officials said.

The agitators, belonging to several political and social organisations, have been on a hunger strike for the last 12 days, demanding eviction of illegal settlers residing in Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts.

The police allegedly forcibly tried to remove the protesters in the Kheroni area of Karbi Anglong, following which a clash ensued.

As news of the clash spread, a group of protesters set ablaze the old residence of KAAC's Chief Executive Member (CEM) in Donkamokam, following which the security forces opened fire in which three agitators and a policeman were injured, the officials said.

Fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the flames at the house, they said, adding, there were no reports of any injuries, as the residence was vacant.

However, the house has been considerably damaged, an official said.

Additional security forces have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order, he said. PTI CORR DG RBT