Opposition parties and land rights groups protest in Guwahati demanding the release of activist Pranab Doley from NSA detention
Guwahati: A coalition of opposition parties, civil society organisations and land rights groups staged a protest in Guwahati on Saturday, demanding the unconditional release of land rights activist Pranab Doley and withdrawal of his detention under the National Security Act (NSA).
The protest, organised by the Bhumi Adhikar Joutha Sangram Samiti (BAJSS) at Chachal, alleged that the NSA was being used to suppress land rights campaigns and voices representing indigenous communities.
Doley was arrested on July 12 following a protest against the proposed Hyatt luxury resort project at Inglay Pathar near Kaziranga. Although he was granted bail on July 29, the Assam government invoked the NSA against him the following day, citing public order and security concerns.
BAJSS convenor Subrata Talukdar said the agitation would continue until Doley was released and the NSA action withdrawn.
The protest also focused on alleged threats to indigenous land in Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Rabha Hasong and Tiwa areas. Protesters also opposed the proposed reduction of the eco-sensitive zone around Kaziranga, warning it could encourage commercial development.
Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi and AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi criticised Doley’s detention, while representatives of Congress, AJP, Raijor Dal and ASDC joined the demonstration.
The protesters warned of intensifying their campaign if their demands remain unaddressed.
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