India, July 19 -- Tension remains high in Assam's Goalpara district as police continue their crackdown following the violent clashes during an eviction drive in the Paikan Reserve Forest area.

The number of arrests linked to Thursday's violence has now risen to 21, with 12 more people arrested late Friday night from different locations in and around Krishnai, police officials said.

The senior superintendent of police (SSP), Goalpara, Nabaneet Mahanta said that 9 accused were arrested on Friday morning and the number increased as the police continued the crackdown.

"All 11 were picked up late Friday based on video footage, eyewitness testimony, and intelligence. Some were identified wielding sticks, pelting stones, and attempting to obs...