The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) [CPI (ML)] on Wednesday staged a protest at Shaheed Bedi Tini Ali in Rajgarh, Tingkhong, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of land rights activists Pranab Doley, Amit Nag, Aditya Chandra Rabha and others who were arrested in connection with demonstrations against the proposed eviction of Adivasi families in the Kaziranga region.
During the protest, party leaders alleged that indigenous Adivasi communities, who have lived in the Kaziranga area for generations, were being displaced to facilitate the construction of a proposed five-star hotel associated with the Hyatt Group. They claimed the arrests of activists, including Doley and Rabha, were aimed at suppressing resistance to the proposed eviction drive.
The CPI (ML) also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging a contradiction between his public assurances on protecting the rights of Adivasi communities and the alleged displacement of indigenous residents in Kaziranga.
The party further criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s remarks that a five-star hotel would enhance tourism revenue. Party leaders argued that popular tourist destinations such as Cherrapunji and Mawsynram in neighbouring Meghalaya have generated substantial tourism income without depending on luxury hotel developments. They maintained that the state should focus on promoting eco-tourism rather than encouraging high-end hospitality projects.
Reiterating its stand, the CPI (ML) called for the immediate release of all detained activists and urged the Assam government to halt the proposed eviction of Adivasi families from the Kaziranga area.
