Kaziranga, Assam — A proposed 5-star Hyatt Hotel in Inglay Pathar, Kaziranga, has sparked significant controversy due to its impact on both local communities and wildlife. Inglay Pathar, known for its grazing grounds for wild animals from Kaziranga National Park, is also home to several displaced families.

On August 7, 2024, members of the Greater Kaziranga Land and Human Rights Committee (GKLHRC), Manohar Pegu and Ritupan Pegu, were gathering testimonies from displaced families in the area when they were attacked by a violent mob. The assault resulted in injuries to Minali Gowala, a displaced farmer, and her daughter Rongajan, who required hospital treatment.

The situation escalated when GKLHRC members Saurav Patrigi, Subham, Ritupan Pegu, and Manohar Pegu sought police intervention at Bokakhat police station. The police not only refused to act but also detained the GKLHRC members and other displaced individuals. The following day, police released most of those detained but proceeded to file an FIR against Manohar and Ritupan Pegu, who were then remanded by a judicial magistrate.

The Human Rights Defenders Alert (HRDA) argues that the police action and the FIR against the human rights defenders (HRDs) are retaliatory measures aimed at suppressing their efforts to address the land acquisition issue. They cite the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders 1999, which mandates state protection for individuals advocating for human rights.

We urge the NHRC

• To direct the Director General of Police of Assam to conduct a fair and transparent inquiry into the assault on the environmental HRDs and police inaction submit a report to the NHRC within two weeks.
• To direct the Director General of Police of Assam to quash any false complaints against the EHRDs.
• Intervene in the relevant court on behalf of the EHRDs.
• Ensure that the freedom of peaceful assembly is not restricted and prevent attacks on activists who are peacefully protesting against acquisition of land.