Miscreants deliberately set fire to Molai Kathoni 2.0, a newly restored forest area in Assam's Jorhat-Majuli region, destroying over 5,500 saplings and harming biodiversity. The plantation, an extension of the famed Molai Kathoni forest created by Jadav Payeng, was being led by his daughter Munmi Payeng with volunteers. Forest officials are investigating the arson, which has drawn condemnation from environmentalists and political figures, with some alleging a nexus with illegal activities.