Dibrugarh, May 4: The tussle between villagers and Oil India Limited (OIL) at Rohmoria in Upper Assam’s Dibrugarh district today turned serious with the company allegedly trying to resume operations in the area “forcefully” and the villagers putting up a strong resistance.

The company officials, escorted by security personnel, had to beat a retreat following stiff opposition from the villagers.

The latter had earlier blocked operations at the Khagorijan oilfields, demanding that the company take up permanent measures to check erosion. OIL alleges that the so-called agitation has been masterminded by vested interest groups.