Following a local court’s decision to grant bail to land rights advocate Pranab Doley, who had been detained on July 12 due to protests against a luxury hotel development near Kaziranga, the Assam government has invoked the National Security Act (NSA) against him. Authorities assert that his actions pose a threat to public order and state security.
Doley, a well-known figure in the indigenous and land rights movement, was arrested by the Golaghat police during a demonstration on June 28, where activists and local residents protested the proposed hotel project in Inglay Pathar, adjacent to Kaziranga National Park. Alongside Doley, four other activists were also taken into custody. He has been actively opposing the project for several years, voicing concerns about its environmental impact and the potential displacement of local indigenous communities.
In the First Information Report (FIR), police claimed that Doley, along with approximately fifty others, approached the project site with weapons such as machetes and sharp sticks, trespassed onto the property, attempted to ignite a cement mixer, assaulted on-duty police officers, and incited the crowd to threaten further protests, among other accusations.
An Additional Sessions Judge in Golaghat granted bail to Doley on July 29, noting a lack of video evidence supporting the allegations and the absence of any seized weapons during the investigation. The judge emphasized that in cases where ecological conservation intersects with the rights of indigenous peoples, the typical enforcement of criminal law should not be used to suppress local concerns. The court highlighted the importance of addressing grievances through constructive dialogue among all involved parties rather than through confrontation.
Despite the bail order, while Doley remained in Golaghat district jail, the Assam government moved to detain him preventively under the NSA, referencing a report from the Golaghat Senior Superintendent of Police. The government justified this decision by stating that it had assessed the seriousness and potential repercussions of Doley’s activities and believed there was a significant risk that he would continue actions detrimental to public order and state security if not restrained.
The grounds for his detention included claims that he has 13 cases registered against him in Golaghat district, with charges ranging from unlawful assembly to rioting and criminal intimidation. Reports indicated that he had engaged in various activities, including road blockades and vandalism, allegedly motivated by personal interests.
Additionally, the detention order mentioned that Doley had participated in suspicious financial transactions from questionable sources, allegedly violating the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.
At 40 years old, Doley serves as the convener of the Greater Kaziranga Land and Human Rights Committee and previously ran as an Independent candidate in the recent Assembly elections from the Bokakhat constituency. In November 2025, he addressed the United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva.
Sukrita Baruah is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, stationed in Guwahati. She provides in-depth coverage of the North East region of India, which is known for its intricate ethnic diversity, geopolitical relevance, and distinct developmental challenges.
Her expertise includes:
Ethnic & Social Dynamics: Comprehensive reporting on regional conflicts, including the crisis in Manipur, and initiatives aimed at peacebuilding.
Border & Geopolitics: Monitoring developments along India’s international borders and their effects on local communities.
Governance & Policy: Coverage of state elections, tribal council actions, and the execution of central government schemes in the North East.
Specialized Education Background: Before her current position, Sukrita worked as an Education Correspondent for The Indian Express in Delhi, honing her analytical skills in:
Policy Analysis: Assessment of the National Education Policy (NEP) and reforms at the university level.
Student Affairs: Reporting on significant issues related to campus politics, national entrance exams, and challenges within primary and secondary education.
