AssamPolitics – Raijor Dal Lawmakers Protest Arrests Over Land Acquisition Dispute
AssamPolitics –Raijor Dal legislators staged a demonstration inside the Assam Legislative Assembly on Monday, protesting the arrests of two activists and accusing the state government of acting against individuals who opposed recent land acquisition proposals.
Black-Clad Protest Inside Assembly
The party’s MLAs arrived at the Assembly wearing black shirts and black face masks as a mark of protest. They raised slogans condemning the arrests of human rights activist Pranab Doley and tribal leader Aditya Rabha, claiming that the action was intended to discourage public opposition to land-related projects across the state.
Speaking to the media during the demonstration, Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi alleged that the BJP-led government was attempting to dilute legal safeguards protecting tribal land. According to him, these measures were aimed at facilitating land transfers for large corporate groups.
Allegations Over Tribal Land Protection
Gogoi claimed that the recent arrests were connected to broader disputes surrounding land ownership and development plans in Assam. He alleged that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s government intended to make land available to major business houses, including companies linked to Ramdev, Adani, Ambani and Tata.
He further stated that the Tribal Belt and Blocks, which provide legal protection for tribal communities by restricting settlement in designated areas, had become the focus of government action. According to Gogoi, these protected regions are being targeted despite their importance in safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities.
Opposition Vows to Continue Campaign
The Raijor Dal leader maintained that public demonstrations against the proposed land acquisitions had led to the arrests of activists. Referring to the detention of Aditya Rabha and Pranab Doley over the past two days, he said the party’s black-clad protest inside the Assembly symbolised its opposition to what it described as attempts to silence dissent.
Gogoi also asserted that his party would continue resisting any move that, in its view, threatens the land rights of indigenous people and other residents of Assam. He said the organisation remained committed to protecting the interests of local communities and would continue raising the issue through democratic means.
Background of Aditya Rabha’s Arrest
Aditya Rabha was taken into custody after participating in demonstrations opposing the proposed acquisition of land for the Satellite City project. The protests had drawn attention from several groups concerned about the potential impact of the development on local communities and protected land.
Supporters of Rabha have argued that the demonstrations were intended to highlight concerns regarding land use and the rights of affected residents. Authorities, however, proceeded with legal action following the protests.
Pranab Doley Detained in Separate Case
Pranab Doley was arrested on Sunday in connection with a criminal case registered at Bokakhat Police Station. The case followed his protest against the proposed construction of luxury hotels in the Kaziranga region.
Before his arrest, Doley had publicly questioned the reported allocation of land at Ingle Pathar in Hatikhuli, Kaziranga. He alleged that the land had been reclassified before being allotted to a hospitality company, raising concerns about the process followed in the proposed development.
The arrests of both activists have added to the ongoing political debate over land acquisition policies, tribal land protection, and development projects in Assam, with the issue continuing to draw attention from opposition parties as well as civil society groups.