The International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA), a global organisation working in support of indigenous peoples rights, today condemned the arrest of Pranab Doley, an indigenous human rights defender.
In a statement, IWGIA stated that he was arrested by Assam Police, possibly as a revenge for cancellation of a $434.25 million loan of the Asian Development Bank for a solar project in Assam.
Doley was arrested from Sundarpur, Guwahati on July 12 in connection with Bokakhat Police Station case number 108/2026, registered on June 29 regarding a protest against the proposed Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) Hyatt luxury hotel project at Ingle Pathar near Kaziranga National Park. He was subsequently taken to Golaghat, formally shown arrested on July 13 at 3.30 am, and remanded to seven days police custody by the Bokakhat District Court.
IWGIA stated that Doley has been targeted for withdrawal of the Asian Development Bank’ $434.25 million loan to a proposed 1000 MW Solar Park in Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council in Assam in May 2025. Doley, as the convenor of the Karbi Anglong Solar Power Project Affected People’s Rights Committee (KASPAPPC), had been opposing the land diversion citing various irregularities in conducting an assessment by the ADB consultants and government officials. His arrest immediately after spearheading the protests indicates that he has been targeted for his legitimate human rights advocacy and for peacefully speaking up for the rights of the affected communities.
As Doley was found leading the protest against Hyatt luxury hotel project at Ingle Pathar near Kaziranga National Park that would displace indigenous people and other communities, the government of Assam decided to silence Doley and people affected by the project by filing a false case.
The legality of eviction from Hyatt luxury hotel project site at Ingle Pathar near Kaziranga National Park is subjudice as only on June 1 2026, the Guwahati High Court heard a petition of 20 Adivasi families, some of whom earn a living as daily wage workers in the neighbouring tea gardens and the High Court issued notices to Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) to reply to the petition on the matter in four weeks. Even before the Guwahati High Court could adjudicate, the Assam Police decided to silence the Adivasis.
IWGIA believes seven days police custody as disproportionate and calls upon the government of Assam to immediately release Doley from custody.
IWGIA condemns arrest of Pranab Doley, says it was linked to cancellation of ADB loan due to protests
