A citizens’ meeting was held at Bokakhat demanding the unconditional release of land and human rights activist Pranab Doley.
Addressing the gathering, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President and Member of Parliament Gaurav Gogoi launched a sharp attack on the state government, alleging that it is resorting to unconstitutional measures like the National Security Act (NSA) to stifle dissenting public voices.
The MP asserted that Doley’s detention under the NSA is part of a conspiracy to strip indigenous people of their rights and undermine the uniqueness of Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Strongly condemning the government’s action, he demanded Doley’s immediate, unconditional release and the revocation of the decision to reduce the boundaries of Kaziranga’s Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).
Expressing anger over the administration’s role, Gogoi noted that despite the sudden cancellation of permission for the previously scheduled auditorium, organizers stood firm and held the meeting in the courtyard of local residents. He questioned why the ruling regime is so intimidated by democratic assemblies and peaceful public protests.
The protest meeting was attended by several prominent leaders, including former Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia, former APCC President Ripun Bora, Assam Chah Mazdoor Adivasi Congress Chairman Etuwa Munda, and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) President Lurinjyoti Gogoi.
