UN experts flag Assam arrests over Kaziranga land rights protests

UN experts have questioned the detention of five indigenous rights activists in Assam after a protest near Kaziranga. They warned the case could curb civic space and weaken protections for affected communities.Image used for representational purposes onlyA group of UN experts has raised concern over the detention of five indigenous human rights activists in Assam, saying the charges against them could weaken the legitimate work of people defending indigenous communities' rights. In a statement issued on Friday, the experts said they were "deeply concerned" by reports that the activists had been deprived of their liberty over their peaceful advocacy on land and rights issues.The statement said the activists were arrested in connection with protests on June 29 against a proposed luxury tourism project near Kaziranga National Park. It added that the project is reportedly linked to an agreement between the Assam government and a prominent hotel group.According to the statement, Assam Police arrested Pranab Doley, Rajib Pegu, Brijit Kutum, Amit Nag and Bhaskar Saikia. The five were held earlier this week on charges including criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, criminal trespass, rioting, obstructing a public servant while carrying out duties, and criminal intimidation."Such arrests and prosecutions can have a chilling effect on civic space and discourage others from speaking out against abuses," the experts said. They added that threats, arrests, surveillance, retaliation and legal harassment could undermine the safety of indigenous communities and human rights activists, as well as their ability to take part freely in processes concerning business activities. "States must ensure human rights defenders are able to exercise their right to protect, defend and promote human rights and carry out their work safely and without fear of intimidation, reprisals or criminalisation," the experts said. They urged the authorities to ensure that all detained activists are treated with dignity and that their rights are fully protected. The experts also called for the immediate release of the detained activists if their detention is linked solely to the peaceful exercise of their rights, and asked the authorities to ensure that any criminal proceedings fully comply with international human rights standards. They also called for the suspension of any land acquisition or development until affected indigenous communities have been meaningfully consulted and their free, prior and informed consent obtained.With PTI Inputs - EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Jul 18, 2026 18:18 IST