Guwahati: The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) has condemned the Assam government’s decision to invoke the National Security Act (NSA) against Indigenous land rights activist Pranab Doley, calling it an attack on democratic dissent and the rights of Indigenous communities.
The Assam government invoked the NSA against Doley a day after a Golaghat sessions court granted him bail in a case linked to protests against a proposed Hyatt five-star hotel project near Kaziranga National Park. The move keeps Doley in custody despite the bail order. The government has said the detention was based on reports and intelligence inputs, alleging that his activities were prejudicial to public order and the security of the state, while rights groups have criticised the action as an attempt to silence opposition to the project.
In a statement, CASR alleged that the preventive detention law was being used against Doley for raising concerns related to land, forests, livelihoods, and constitutional rights of local communities.
The organisation claimed that instead of addressing the issues raised by Indigenous groups, authorities had chosen to take action against the activist through detention under the NSA.
CASR criticised the use of the NSA, stating that the law allows detention without trial for extended periods and has faced criticism over concerns related to due process, personal liberty, and natural justice.
The group further alleged that the action against Doley reflects a wider trend of using security laws against activists, journalists, students, trade union members, and human rights defenders involved in public movements.
According to CASR, the case is part of a broader pattern of actions against Indigenous and local movements opposing land acquisition, mining activities, and corporate projects.
CASR urged authorities to withdraw the action against Doley and respect the constitutional rights of citizens to express dissent and raise concerns through democratic means.