Former Leader of the Opposition seeks suspension of eviction drives, review of activists’ arrests, and independent inquiry into land rights and environmental concerns linked to Kaziranga and Barduar projects
Guwahati: Former Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia has written to Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, seeking urgent intervention in the ongoing eviction drives and the arrest of social activists protesting major commercial projects in the state.
In his letter, Saikia raised concerns over the protection of land rights of indigenous, tribal and Adivasi communities, particularly in connection with the proposed luxury hotel project near Kaziranga National Park and the Barduar Satellite Township project.
Referring to the arrests of activists Aditya Rabha, Pranab Doley and Amit Nag, Saikia alleged that those opposing the projects were facing legal action despite participating in democratic protests.
He stated that nearly 45 indigenous and Adivasi families from Rangajan village and the Ingle Pathar area near Kaziranga’s Kohora range had either been evicted or were facing eviction for the proposed hotel project, affecting their agricultural livelihoods.
Saikia argued that the evictions could violate the Assam (Temporarily Settled Areas) Tenancy Act, 1971, enacted to protect tenant farmers from arbitrary eviction and provide occupancy rights. He also pointed out that the proposed hotel falls within the eco-sensitive Greater Kaziranga landscape, stressing that development should not proceed without constitutional safeguards, environmental compliance and proper rehabilitation.
In his appeal, Saikia urged the Governor to seek a detailed report on both projects, verify whether tenancy laws had been followed, suspend eviction proceedings pending an independent review, and ensure fair compensation and rehabilitation if displacement proved unavoidable.
He also sought a review of criminal cases against the arrested activists, constitution of an impartial inquiry into alleged violations of land rights and environmental laws, and wider consultations with affected communities before any final decision is taken.
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