8th August 2024: The Community Network Against Protected Areas (CNAPA) vehemently condemns the recent brutal attack on political activist Pranab Doley and members of the Greater Kaziranga Land and Human Rights Committee (GKLHRC) in Rongajan Village, Kaziranga Constituency, Assam. This premeditated assault against Manohar Pegu, Ritupan Pegu, Minali Gowala, and her daughter, and the unlawful detention of Geeta Gowala, Saurav Patgiri, and Subham by the Bokakhat Police, highlights the grave failure of law and order in the region.

The targeted violence against these activists, who were courageously documenting the testimonies of 45 families threatened with displacement due to the proposed Hyatt Hotel in Inglay Pathar, is not only an attack on the individuals but also an assault on the fundamental rights of the affected communities. Pranab Doley and his colleagues have long been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of the people in Kaziranga, challenging illegal land transfers and standing against the political and economic interests that threaten the livelihoods of the local communities.

The mob attack, clearly orchestrated by political elements threatened by GKLHRC's advocacy, underscores the dangerous nexus between corrupt politicians and law enforcement. The refusal of the Bokakhat Police to take action against the violent mob, their subsequent attack on friends of the activists, and the unlawful detentions of those seeking justice, demonstrate a blatant miscarriage of justice and protection of criminal activities by those in power.

We stand in unwavering solidarity with Pranab Doley, Manohar Pegu, Ritupan Pegu, Minali Gowala, Geeta Gowala, Saurav Patgiri, Subham, and all members of GKLHRC. We demand:

● Immediate Release: Free Geeta Gowala, Manohar Pegu, Ritupan Pegu, Saurav Patgiri, and Subham from Bokakhat Police’s custody and withdraw any baseless charges against them.

● Impartial Investigation: Conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation into the mob attack and the role of its enablers. A separate investigation into the attempted murder of Pranab Doley and Rajib Pegu must be initiated.

● Accountability for Police Misconduct: Take stringent action against the police officials who assaulted Saurav Patgiri and others, and ensure they are held accountable for their actions.

● Protection for 45 Families Threatened with Displacement: Provide immediate security and protection for the 45 families in Rongajan.

The violent suppression of voices advocating for justice and the rights of displaced communities is a grave threat to democracy and human rights. We call on all allies, national and international organizations, and the broader public to join us in condemning this violence and demanding justice for the victims.

In Solidarity from Assam, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Telangana.

Community Network Against Protected Areas (CNAPA)

The Community Network Against Protected Areas (CNAPA) is a coalition of indigenous peoples, forest-dwelling communities, grassroots organizations, activists, and academics from across India. CNAPA advocates for justice, rights, and dignity of communities within and around protected areas, striving to dismantle colonial-capitalist-casteist conservation models and ensuring coexistence between forests, peoples, and animals.

Contact: connectcnapa@yahoo.com

Signatories:

Pranab Doley

JK Thimma

JA Shivu

Leeladhar

Beni

Telenga

Selvaraj

Rajan

Amir

Pradyumna

Sharanya