CPI (ML) stages protest in Assam's Dibrugarh over Kaziranga eviction drive, seeks release of activists

The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) [CPI (ML)] on July 16 staged a protest at Shaheed Bedi Tini Ali in Rajgarh, Tingkhong, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of land rights activists Pranab Doley, Amit Nag, Aditya Chandra Rabha and others arrested in connection with protests against the proposed eviction of Adivasi families in Kaziranga.

During the demonstration, party leaders alleged that indigenous Adivasi communities, who have lived in the Kaziranga region for generations, are being displaced to facilitate the construction of a proposed five-star hotel linked to the Hyatt Group. They claimed the arrests of several activists, including Doley and Rabha, were intended to suppress opposition to the eviction drive.

The party also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging a contradiction between his public statements on safeguarding the rights of Adivasi communities and the alleged displacement of indigenous residents in Kaziranga.

CPI (ML) leaders further took aim at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's remarks that a five-star hotel would boost tourism revenue. They argued that destinations such as Cherrapunji and Mawsynram in neighbouring Meghalaya attract significant tourism income without relying on luxury hotel projects. Stressing the need for sustainable development, the party urged the Assam government to prioritise eco-tourism over high-end hospitality ventures.

The protesters reiterated their demand for the immediate release of the arrested activists and called for an end to the proposed eviction of Adivasi residents from Kaziranga.