Pranab Doley, an indigenous and peasants’ rights activist, was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) a day after being granted bail in a case linked to protests against a proposed five-star hotel near the Kaziranga National Park. Doley has been leading tribal opposition to the project, citing concerns over its impact on the region’s fragile ecology and indigenous communities. While the Assam government justified the detention on the grounds of public order and state security, the move has drawn criticism as it came immediately after the court granted him bail.

Doley has been leading protests against the project, alleging that it threatens the fragile ecology around Kaziranga and affects indigenous communities. Protesters have opposed the project since 2022, raising concerns over land acquisition and indigenous rights.

While granting bail, the sessions court observed that criminal law should not be used to suppress legitimate local concerns where ecological preservation and indigenous survival are involved. However, the Assam government invoked the NSA under Section 3 (2) of the National Security Act, 1980, stating that Doley’s activities were prejudicial to public order and state security, and that there was a possibility of such activities continuing if released.

Such blatant misuse by the state is no longer an exception, as any voice of opposition is crushed mercilessly and without exception. The government must release Doley from illegal detention.