Pranab Doley, a land rights activist, was arrested by Assam Police, sparking outrage from human rights organizations demanding his immediate release.
Itanagar, India Jul 14, 2026 ALN: ITANAGAR, 13 Jul: The Assam Police on Sunday arrested Pranab Doley, a prominent land rights leader and active member of the Greater Kaziranga Land and Human Rights Protection Committee, in connection with Bokakhat PS Case No 108/2026.
The non-bailable case has been registered under various sections of the BNS over the 28 June incident at the ATDC Hyat Project site in Kohora, the Bokakhat police said. This case has drawn significant attention due to the implications it holds for land rights activism in the region, particularly concerning the rights of indigenous communities.
According to police, around 50 people, including Doley and members of various organizations, assembled at Rongajan field on 28 June to discuss the ongoing government project at Ingleng Pathar. This gathering was part of a broader movement aimed at opposing the ATDC Hyat Project, which many locals believe threatens their ancestral lands. After the meeting, the gathering allegedly proceeded to the Tea Tribes Museum site and the nearby ATDC Hyat Project premises. The group allegedly trespassed into the project site and removed survey materials and threatened construction workers. One woman officer also sustained grievous injuries, police said.
The police have claimed that the actions of Doley and the assembled group constituted a serious breach of the law, which is reflected in the charges laid against them. Police also alleged that the group outraged the modesty of women police personnel during the incident. Such claims, particularly those involving the treatment of women, are taken very seriously in legal contexts and can escalate the severity of charges against individuals involved.
The FIR further stated that, after being instigated by several accused, including Doley, the group staged a sit-in protest and refused to vacate despite directions from police and the executive magistrate. This highlights an ongoing tension between local communities and state authorities, particularly regarding land use and development projects that are perceived as encroaching upon indigenous rights.
Doley has been named as a mastermind behind the unlawful assembly. His arrest has sparked outrage among human rights advocates and activists, who argue that such actions are part of a larger pattern of repression against those advocating for the rights of marginalized communities in Assam.
The Northeast Human Rights Organisation (NEHRO) strongly condemned Doley’s arrest and demanded his immediate release. NEHRO chairperson and human rights activist Ebo Mili termed Doley’s arrest disturbing and a part of the ongoing trend in Assam, “where social workers and activists advocating the rights of indigenous communities and educating people about their land rights are being targeted with false cases and arrested in an arbitrary manner.”
Mili's comments reflect a growing concern among human rights organizations regarding the treatment of activists in Assam. Over the past few years, numerous instances have been reported where activists and community leaders have faced legal repercussions for their work, raising questions about the state’s commitment to upholding democratic freedoms and human rights.
He stated that Doley had previously been harassed by the police on multiple occasions over the same matter. This history of harassment underscores the precarious situation faced by land rights activists in Assam, who often find themselves at odds with powerful corporate interests and state authorities.
“The repeated actions by the Assam Police against such activists reflect a systematic pattern of intimidation and suppression,” Mili said. His assertion points to a broader issue in the region, where the balance between development and the rights of indigenous peoples is increasingly contentious. In many cases, large-scale projects are undertaken without adequate consultation with local communities, leading to conflicts and protests.
Mili emphasized that Doley has consistently been fighting alongside 45 Adivasi families in Kaziranga to defend their ancestral land and has been leading peaceful protests against a powerful corporate group. The Adivasi communities in Kaziranga have a deep-rooted connection to their land, which is not merely an economic asset but also a vital component of their cultural identity and heritage.
He urged the Assam government to listen to the legitimate concerns of the Adivasi people and engage in a peaceful dialogue, rather than resorting to brute police force to silence or suppress democratic movements. This call for dialogue is significant, as it reflects the need for a more inclusive approach to governance that respects the rights and voices of marginalized communities.
Mili further remarked that the deployment of nearly 100 police personnel to arrest a single activist, who has been under constant surveillance, only highlights the insecurity and fear of the state machinery. This disproportionate response raises questions about the priorities of the state in dealing with dissent and the extent to which it is willing to go to maintain control.
“We stand in solidarity with the Adivasi communities of Kaziranga and will continue to raise our voice against any form of repression and violation of human rights,” Mili added. This solidarity is crucial for the ongoing struggle of land rights activists, as it underscores the importance of collective action in the face of state repression. The situation surrounding Doley's arrest is indicative of the broader challenges faced by indigenous communities in Assam and highlights the need for ongoing advocacy and support for their rights.
The implications of this case extend beyond Doley and the immediate parties involved. It raises critical questions about the future of land rights activism in Assam and the potential for further crackdowns on dissent. As development projects continue to proliferate in the region, the need for a balanced approach that respects the rights of indigenous peoples while also addressing developmental needs becomes increasingly urgent. The outcome of Doley's case may set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future, making it a pivotal moment for land rights advocacy in Assam.
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