Brutal attacks on kaziranga activists: silencing the voices for justice

On August 7th, 2024, Political activist Pranab Doley and other members of the Greater Kaziranga Land and Human Rights Committee (GKLHRC) and the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) were brutally attacked by mobilized mob. This incident is seen as an attempt to silence their advocacy for the rights of marginalized communities in the Kaziranga region.

Pranab Doley

He is a prominent activist known for his work defending the rights of indigenous communities in Kaziranga. His activism has made him a target of repeated threats and attacks, highlighting the dangers faced by human rights defenders in the region. The attack on Doley is part of a broader pattern of repression against those opposing land grabs and the displacement of local communities for the construction of a Hyatt Hotel in Inglay Pathar. Without their critical work, it becomes much easier for land grabs and “development” projects such as this one to take place, leading to the disruption of local land stewardship and the subsequent destruction of local ecosystems.

A Call for action

The incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice, with demands for immediate action to protect activists in the region from police abuse and luxury hotel encroachments on the land. Supporters are urging authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable and to ensure the safety of those who continue to fight for land and human rights in Kaziranga.