Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Assam police locked up five indigenous activists after protests against a new luxury tourism project. The project at Inglay Pathar near Kaziranga National Park sparked the unrest. It involves a deal between the state government and Juniper Hotels, a group tied to Hyatt. On June 29, 2026, demonstrations broke out against the build.
Authorities arrested Pranab Doley, Rajib Pegu, Brijit Kutum, Amit Nag, and Bhaskar Saikia. Police charged the group with crimes including rioting, criminal conspiracy, and obstructing public servants. Reports also allege the arresting officers have a history of torture.
United Nations experts fired back on Friday, July 17. They demand the immediate release of all five men if their detention stems strictly from peaceful advocacy. A panel of UN officials issued a stern warning regarding the state of civic rights in India. The group stated: "Such arrests and prosecutions can have a chilling effect on civic space and discourage others from speaking out against abuses."
The UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights joined Special Rapporteurs Albert K. Barume, Gina Romero, and Andrea Bolaños Vargas in the push. They argue that states must protect human rights defenders from fear and retaliation. The experts also want all development and land acquisition halted. They insist the state must obtain free, prior, and informed consent from local indigenous communities before moving ahead. Formal notice of these concerns reached the Government of India.
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