International Organizations Demand Release of Indigenous Rights Activist in Assam
Call for Action Against Detention of Pranab Doley
File image of indigenous activist Pranab Doley, who has been detained under NSA a day after securing bail (Photo: Pranab Doley/Meta)
Guwahati, Aug 19: A coalition of thirty-seven international civil society groups, indigenous peoples’ organizations, and human rights advocates has urged the Assam government to revoke the National Security Act (NSA) order against activist Pranab Doley and ensure his prompt release.
In an open letter dated August 18, these organizations also demanded the dismissal of criminal charges against four other activists who were detained during protests against a proposed luxury hotel at Inglay Pathar, located near Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
The signatories condemned Doley’s detention as a significant infringement on the rights of indigenous defenders, asserting that he and the affected communities claimed the hotel project was being advanced without their “free, prior and informed consent (FPIC).”
“Indigenous environmental and human rights defenders like Pranab Doley are crucial for advocating environmental justice, conserving biodiversity, enhancing climate resilience, and peacefully resolving disputes over land and natural resources,” the letter emphasized.
The open letter received support from organizations across various countries, including India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Switzerland, the Philippines, Nepal, Kenya, Uganda, Mexico, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The groups also challenged the allegations cited as grounds for Doley’s NSA detention, which included references to his international travel and participation in global forums.
They argued that his involvement in events like the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights was part of his advocacy for rights.
“These activities do not indicate criminal behavior; instead, they reflect his legitimate efforts to raise awareness about the rights violations faced by local communities,” the organizations stated.
Concerns Over Land Rights
The organizations expressed alarm regarding the land designated for the hotel project, claiming that 60 bighas of agricultural and grazing land owned by Adivasi had been allocated for development, resulting in the “forcible eviction of 45 Adivasi families in 2024.”
The letter also referenced a response from Hyatt to the Business & Human Rights Centre, indicating that while some Hyatt subsidiaries have business ties with Juniper Hotels, “Hyatt has not entered into any agreement to brand or operate the proposed hotel project” near Kaziranga.
The signatories reiterated their call for Doley’s immediate release, the withdrawal of the NSA order, and the criminal charges against the other activists.
They also demanded an independent investigation into the alleged unlawful detention, procedural violations, and excessive use of force, urging authorities to acknowledge the land rights of the affected communities.
Furthermore, the organizations called on companies and investors associated with the project to clarify their involvement, conduct human rights due diligence, and engage constructively with Indigenous communities and rights defenders.
Doley, who leads the Greater Kaziranga Land and Human Rights Protection Committee, was arrested alongside Rajib Pegu, Brijit Kutum, Amit Nag, and Bhaskar Saikia following protests on June 29. They were granted bail by the Golaghat Sessions Court on July 29 after spending nearly three weeks in custody. However, the Assam government invoked Section 3(2) of the NSA against Doley the next day, allowing his detention to continue.