Dibrugarh: Artist Marshall Baruah staged a protest through painting at Dibrugarh University on August 22, raising concerns over the proposed reduction of the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park and demanding the release of land rights activist Pranab Doley.
With support from the university’s student community, Baruah created the artwork at the DU HUT premises carrying the message, “Free Pranab Doley, Save Kaziranga”.
The proposed reduction of the ESZ from 10 km to 1 km has triggered protests across Assam, with environmental groups and civil society organisations expressing concerns over its possible impact on Kaziranga and its surrounding ecosystem.
The painting also highlighted issues of wildlife conservation, environmental protection and land rights. Baruah linked the demand for Doley’s release with the wider campaign to protect Kaziranga and the environment.
Speaking at the event, Baruah alleged that the government was compromising environmental interests for the benefit of a few people. He also stressed the role of young people in raising social and environmental concerns and referred to singer Zubeen Garg.
The protest painting brought together concerns over conservation, land rights and the right to dissent, with art being used as a medium of protest.
