Photo Courtesy: nenews
Guwahati: United Nations human rights experts want five indigenous activists released from detention in Assam. Assam Police jailed Pranab Doley, Rajib Pegu, Brijit Kutum, Amit Nag, and Bhaskar Saikia. They face charges after June 29, 2026, protests at Inglay Pathar. The group opposed a luxury tourism project slated for the area near Kaziranga National Park. This development involves the Assam government, Juniper Hotels, and the Hyatt group.
The experts worry these arrests stifle advocacy and scare off other voices. They issued a formal statement on Friday. "Such arrests and prosecutions can have a chilling effect on civic space and discourage others from speaking out against abuses," the experts said. They also raised flags over allegations of torture by the local police force involved in the arrests.
The UN team included the Working Group on Business and Human Rights along with rapporteurs Albert K. Barume, Gina Romero, and Andrea Bolaños Vargas. They want an immediate release if the detention stems solely from peaceful protest. Authorities must stop land acquisition until they obtain free, prior, and informed consent from local indigenous communities. The UN has already communicated these concerns directly to the Indian government.
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