GUWAHATI: The Assam government has invoked the National Security Act (NSA) against indigenous land rights activist Pranab Doley, a day after a local court granted him bail in connection with protests against a proposed luxury hotel project near Kaziranga National Park.
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Doley was arrested by the Golaghat Police on July 12 in connection with a protest held on June 28 at Inglay Pathar, adjoining the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. Four other activists were also arrested in the case.
According to reports, in an order issued by the Political (A) Department, the state government said it was satisfied that Doley's activities were "prejudicial to the maintenance of public order as well as security of the state."
The order further stated that there was a "real and imminent possibility" of Doley continuing such activities if released, making preventive detention necessary.
Invoking Section 3(2) of the National Security Act, the government directed that Doley be detained at the Golaghat District Jail.
Doley is a prominent indigenous and land rights activist who has been leading protests against the proposed five-star luxury hotel project at Inglay Pathar for several years. He and several indigenous families in Golaghat have opposed the project, citing concerns over its potential ecological impact on the Kaziranga National Park and the displacement of local indigenous communities.