Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: Activists face jail time. Land rights groups are fighting back. A citizens’ meeting in Guwahati on Thursday demanded the release of leaders arrested for opposing development projects. The coalition announced a statewide protest set for July 26.
Organizers convened at Lakhiram Barua Sadan. The event brought together the Bhumi Adhikar Joutha Sangram Samiti, Nikhil Rabha Jatiya Parishad, All Tiwa Students’ Association, and the United Tribal Co-ordination Forum. They represent voices from Rabha Hasong, Jagiroad, Ukiam, and Kaziranga. Attendees included political leaders from the AJP, Raijor Dal, Congress, APHLC, CPI, and CPI(ML).
The detainees include Bhumi Adhikar Joutha Sangram Samiti convenor Pranab Doley, Borduar Bagicha Bhumi Potton Dabi Samiti adviser Adit Chandra Rabha, plus activists Amit Nag, Bijit Kutum, Bhaskar Saikia, and Rajeev Pegu. Supporters claim the government targets these individuals to clear land for corporate profit. Protesters specifically allege the eviction drive aims to clear indigenous Adivasi families to build a five-star hotel tied to the Hyatt Group.
The CPI(ML) held its own rally on July 16 at Shaheed Bedi Tini Ali in Rajgarh. Leaders there criticized the state's focus on luxury tourism. They argue that sustainable eco-tourism is the better path. Party members challenged Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the displacement of local residents. During the Guwahati gathering, the groups reached a collective consensus to push forward. The organizers appealed to the public to support the campaign and participate in the upcoming demonstrations. They stated, "The participants condemned the arrests of Bhumi Adhikar Joutha Sangram Samiti convenor Pranab Doley, Borduar Bagicha Bhumi Potton Dabi Samiti adviser Adit Chandra Rabha, and activists Amit Nag, Bijit Kutum, Bhaskar Saikia and Rajeev Pegu, alleging that the action was aimed at suppressing democratic protests over land rights and rights of indigenous people."
The coalition plans to send a joint delegation to Ingle Pathar in Kaziranga. Protesters demand immediate releases. The movement remains focused on defending local territory.
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