Assam govt invokes NSA against activist who opposed Kaziranga hotel project

The Assam government has invoked the National Security Act (NSA) against activist Pranab Doley, a move aimed at keeping him detained despite a recent bail order from a sessions court. Doley was arrested earlier this month for protesting against a planned luxury hotel near Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the global hub for the endangered one-horned rhino. The government's action follows a ruling by a Golaghat district court that allowed Doley's release on bail, citing insufficient evidence to justify continued detention. Doley, along with another activist, was arrested on July 12 after leading protests at Ingle Pathar, a village adjacent to KNPTR. The protests targeted a proposed luxury hotel project, which the Assam government announced in 2023. Police allege that Doley trespassed onto the site of the Tea Tribes Museum and the hotel project, which is being developed by a private firm in collaboration with the state-run Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC). According to authorities, Doley damaged property and assaulted police personnel during the demonstrations. On July 29, additional sessions judge Nur Muhammad Abdullah Ahmed of Golaghat district granted Doley bail, noting that the investigating officer had already collected witness statements and that there was no risk of evidence tampering or flight, given that Doley’s passport was in police custody. The court acknowledged the activist’s concerns over environmental degradation and its impact on the socio-cultural fabric of the local tea tribes. It emphasized that criminal law should not be used to suppress such grievances and called for structured dialogue instead of adversarial conflict. However, the Assam government quickly moved to counter the bail decision. In a formal communication to Doley, the government cited police reports and intelligence assessments, stating that 13 criminal cases had been registered against him. These include allegations of inciting hatred against the state, instigating inter-community violence, and obstructing officials in the performance of their duties. The government further claimed that Doley engaged in “suspicious foreign transactions from doubtful sources,” violating the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). This includes forex transactions totaling ₹ 4.5 lakh between 2018 and 2025, alongside 14 international trips between 2017 and 2026. The government argued that these actions posed a threat to public order and national security, justifying the invocation of the NSA. Under Section 3(2) of the National Security Act, 1980, individuals deemed a threat to the country’s security can be detained without trial for up to two years. The government’s communication stated that Doley’s continued detention was necessary to prevent actions that could harm the state’s security or disrupt public order. Golaghat District Commissioner Biswajit Phukan confirmed to Scroll.in that the NSA was invoked based on a police report. He explained that the act would override the bail order, ensuring Doley remained in custody. The move highlights the tension between civil liberties and state authority, particularly in cases involving environmental activism and perceived threats to public order. The controversy surrounding the hotel project has drawn attention to broader issues concerning land use, conservation efforts, and the rights of indigenous communities. Critics argue that the government’s response to dissent is disproportionate, while supporters claim that the project is vital for economic growth and tourism. The situation underscores the complex interplay between environmental protection, cultural preservation, and development priorities in sensitive regions like Kaziranga. The case is likely to draw scrutiny from legal experts, human rights organizations, and environmental advocates. As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future. Meanwhile, Doley remains in custody, awaiting further developments in the case.