Kathmandu— Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has accused the Assam government of misusing preventive detention laws by invoking the National Security Act (NSA) against land rights activist Pranab Doley just one day after a district court granted him bail. Ramesh termed this move as a 'blatant misuse' and an overreach, highlighting concerns about the suppression of dissent.

Allegations Against Activist

Pranab Doley was arrested on July 12 in connection with a criminal case registered at Bokakhat Police Station following his protest against the proposed construction of luxury hotels in Kaziranga. He had raised concerns over alleged land allocation at Ingle Pathar in Hatikhuli, Kaziranga, claiming that the land had been reclassified and allotted to a hospitality company.

Doley's arrest came after he supported villagers protesting against a proposed five-star resort near Kaziranga National Park, which was backed by the Assam Chief Minister. Indigenous residents of Golaghat have protested this project since 2022 and approached the Gauhati High Court arguing that their land had been forcibly acquired.

Legal Challenges and Criticism

On July 29, a Sessions Court granted bail to Doley, observing that 'where ecological preservation intersects with indigenous survival, criminal law cannot be used to suppress legitimate local anxieties.' Ramesh highlighted this court order as evidence of the Assam government's attempt to circumvent judicial orders.

Ramesh also pointed out that Doley's NSA detention order relies on vague and speculative allegations, including 'suspicious foreign transactions from doubtful sources,' a familiar script used by the Modi government. He further alleged that BJP governments across India are weaponizing extraordinary laws like the NSA to silence dissent.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.