Guwahati: The Bhumi Odhikar Joutho Xongram Xomiti has welcomed the Gauhati High Court’s decision to grant bail to Adit Chandra Rabha, a prominent land rights activist and advisor to the Borduar Bagan Bhumi Potton Daabi Xomiti.
In a press release, committee convenors Gobinda Chandra Rabha and Subrat Talukdar alleged that the Assam government had targeted Rabha with “frivolous charges” for mobilising local communities against the proposed satellite township.
According to the committee, the proposed project poses a threat of displacement to indigenous communities in the Rabha Hasong area.
The organisation also alleged that the action against Rabha was part of a broader pattern of state action against grassroots activists involved in movements opposing large-scale land acquisition and eviction.
The committee cited the detention of Pranab Doley under the National Security Act as another instance, alleging that he was targeted after opposing a large hotel project near Kaziranga National Park.
Welcoming Rabha’s release, the committee said his return from prison had strengthened the land rights movement and would provide further momentum to its future activities.
“The release of our comrade Adit Chandra Rabha from prison has further energised our future struggle,” the statement said.
The Xomiti also expressed gratitude to senior advocate Shantanu Borthakur and his legal team for representing Rabha before the Gauhati High Court. It also thanked people across Assam who extended support during the court proceedings.
The committee reiterated that its movement for regional land rights would continue, particularly against projects it believes could lead to displacement and large-scale acquisition of indigenous land.