Assam Police Detains Activist Protesting Luxury Hotels Near Kaziranga National Park

The Assam Police on Sunday detained Pranab Doley, a land rights activist leading protests against proposed luxury hotels near the Kaziranga National Park. Doley, aged 40, was taken into custody in Guwahati, where he was staying with a friend, according to a police officer from Golaghat district.

The officer stated that Doley was detained in connection with a case registered at the Bokakhat police station in Golaghat. The First Information Report (FIR) was filed under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, criminal trespass, rioting, intentional obstruction of a public servant while carrying out duties, and criminal intimidation. However, police have not disclosed the specific incident or complaint that led to the case.

Doley has been a vocal critic of the proposed luxury hotel projects near the Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses. Activists and local communities argue that the construction of such hotels could harm the fragile ecosystem and disrupt the habitat of wildlife. The project has also raised concerns about land rights and displacement of tribal communities.

Opposition leaders condemned Doley’s detention. A Raijor Dal leader and the Sivasagar MLA accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of 'putting tribal people in jail for the sake of capitalists.' The opposition has criticized the state government for what they describe as an attempt to stifle dissent and silence voices opposing development projects that may harm the environment.

The Assam government has not issued an official statement on the detention. The police have not confirmed whether Doley will be produced before a court or if additional charges will be filed. The case is currently under investigation.

Kaziranga National Park, located in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts, is a critical conservation area. The proposed luxury hotels have been a subject of controversy, with environmentalists and local residents raising concerns over potential ecological damage and violation of tribal land rights. The detention of Pranab Doley has intensified the debate over balancing development with environmental protection and indigenous rights.