Assam govt invokes NSA against activist who opposed Kaziranga hotel project

The Assam government invoked the National Security Act (NSA) against activist Pranab Doley after a court ordered his bail in a case related to protests against a luxury hotel project near Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.

Doley was arrested on July 12 for leading protests at Ingle Pathar, a village near Kaziranga, and was accused of trespassing, damaging property, and assaulting police.

The additional sessions judge granted bail on July 29, noting the accused's passport was in police custody and that the dispute arises from concerns about environmental degradation and its impact on local tea tribes.

The Assam government's communication cited 13 criminal cases against Doley and alleged his involvement in activities like road blockages and property damage to create lawlessness.

The hotel project is being executed by a private company and the state-run Assam Tourism Development Corporation at Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.