Guwahati: Representatives of 26 indigenous communities from different parts of the world have voiced solidarity with Assam-based indigenous rights activist Pranab Doley, with a gathering held in Kenya calling for attention to his continued detention. According to reports, representatives of the indigenous communities assembled in Kenya to express support for Doley and raise concerns over the treatment of indigenous rights defenders in Assam. Doley, an indigenous and land rights activist from Assam’s Mising community, has been involved in campaigns concerning the land and livelihood rights of indigenous and tribal communities, particularly in the Kaziranga region.
He was arrested in July in connection with protests linked to a proposed luxury hotel project at Inglay Pathar, near Kaziranga National Park. A Golaghat court subsequently granted him bail. The Assam government later invoked the National Security Act (NSA), resulting in his continued detention. The controversy surrounding Doley’s detention is linked to a wider dispute over land, indigenous rights and the proposed hospitality project near Kaziranga. Supporters have alleged that the arrests of Doley and other community leaders were connected to their opposition to the project, while authorities have cited public-order and security concerns in relation to the NSA detention.
The international expression of solidarity in Kenya adds another dimension to the ongoing debate over indigenous rights and the protection of human rights defenders in Assam. The gathering also highlights the growing international attention surrounding Doley’s detention and the land-rights issues associated with the Kaziranga region. Doley has previously worked with organisations and community groups involved in indigenous rights, protected-area issues and sustainable development. His activities have included advocacy concerning communities affected by conservation and development projects. The latest show of solidarity comes amid continued calls from rights groups and community organisations for scrutiny of the circumstances surroundin
