Assam Government Defends Tourism Projects Amid Protests

Government's Stance on Kaziranga Projects

Guwahati, July 13: Following the arrest of indigenous rights activist Pranab Doley, the Assam administration on Monday defended its tourism initiatives near Kaziranga National Park. Officials stated that the land in question is government property and accused certain groups of inciting opposition.

Atul Bora, a Cabinet Minister and MLA from Bokakhat, announced plans for a tea museum at Ingle Pathar, emphasizing its role as a cultural hub that would highlight the history and traditions of Assam's tea garden community.

"With the rising number of visitors to Kaziranga, a tea museum will provide insights into the tea garden community's culture and history. Tourists will also have the opportunity to visit the orchid park, bird sanctuary, and other attractions. The tea community supports this initiative," Bora stated.

In response to concerns regarding a proposed five-star hotel near Kaziranga, Bora asserted that the project would enhance tourism infrastructure at one of India's top wildlife destinations.

"The five-star hotel will accommodate the influx of visitors to Kaziranga. The land involved in the hotel project is entirely government-owned, with approximately 30 bighas allocated for this purpose," he explained.

Bora dismissed claims that local communities were against the projects, asserting that the opposition was being driven by individuals aiming to hinder progress.

"The tea community is not opposing the museum. There are external forces trying to create discord. Their goal is not to assist the people or advance Bokakhat, but to obstruct development," he alleged.

He also accused those requesting land demarcation of evading cooperation with officials.

"Some individuals have been asking for demarcation. However, when officials attempted to visit the site for this purpose, they fled. They are not interested in resolving the issue but prefer to keep the conflict ongoing," Bora claimed.

This clarification from the government followed Doley's arrest in Guwahati related to a case filed at Bokakhat Police Station.

Doley has been leading protests against the alleged allocation of land at Ingle Pathar and Hatikhuli, adjacent to Kaziranga National Park.

He contends that land traditionally used by local residents was reclassified and allocated without proper consultation.

The arrests of Doley and fellow activist Aditya Rabha also sparked protests in the Assam Assembly on Monday during the ongoing Budget Session.

Rabha, who serves as an adviser to the Borduar Bagan Bhumi Pattan Committee and spokesperson for the Nikhil Rabha Jatiya Parishad, was detained following an FIR filed by two BJP leaders alleging financial misconduct involving a cooperative small savings bank.

Raijor Dal legislators, led by party president and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, conducted a silent protest in the Assembly, dressed in black and holding placards demanding the immediate release of the two activists.

Gogoi characterized the arrests as "unjustified," insisting that the government should be held responsible for the police actions.

During the Question Hour, amidst disruptions and objections from members, Gogoi stated, “The arrests of indigenous activists Pranab Doley and Aditya Rabha must cease, and they should be released immediately. This is why I am protesting today.”