Citizens protest near Kaziranga, seek release of land rights activist detained under NSA
Citizens and Congress leaders protested in Assam to demand the release of activist Pranab Doley, who was detained under the National Security Act. Protesters claim the government is using the law to suppress opposition to land acquisition for commercial projects near Kaziranga.
Why it matters
The case raises significant questions about the balance between development projects and the protection of indigenous land rights and civil liberties.
A group of citizens in Bokakhat town of Assam’s Golaghat district on Saturday (September 5, 2026) demanded the release of land rights activist Pranab Doley, who was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) for opposing the government’s alleged move to evict indigenous farmers near Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve and hand over their land for a luxury hotel and other projects.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Assam government slapped the NSA on the 40-year-old Mr. Doley on July 30, more than a fortnight after arresting him.
The protesters said the local authorities locked the auditorium of a tribal rest house where their meeting was scheduled after administrative clearance had been granted and rent paid, forcing them to shift to an adjacent site. This triggered resentment in the area.
State Congress leaders, participating in the protest, backed the demand for Mr. Doley’s release.
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