UN experts raise alarm over arrest of Indigenous defenders in Assam
United Nations human rights experts have voiced concern over the arrest and detention of five Indigenous human rights defenders in Assam, warning that the case could weaken efforts to protect Indigenous communities and discourage people from peacefully speaking out against projects that affect their land and rights. The experts said the arrests raise broader concerns about the treatment of Indigenous rights advocates involved in issues linked to business activities and development projects.
... According to the UN experts, Assam Police arrested Pranab Doley, Rajib Pegu, Brijit Kutum, Amit Nag and Bhaskar Saikia following protests held on 29 June 2026 over a proposed luxury tourism project in Inglay Pathar, near Kaziranga National Park.
The project is reportedly connected to an agreement between the Assam Government and Juniper Hotels and is associated with the Hyatt group. The experts said the five individuals were involved in peaceful advocacy supporting Indigenous communities concerned about the project's impact on their land and rights.