The on-going land dispute in the periphery of the Kaziranga National Park in Assam is based on the forceful land acquisition by the state government’s Assam Tourism Development Corporation Limited (ATDCL) on the agricultural land parcels of marginalized Adivasi community families of the area, since 2022.

... In September 2023, the Chief Minister of Assam announced plans to develop a five-star resort, specifically naming the global Hyatt brand, along with its regional partners at the site (locally referred to as Inglay Pothar in Kohora, Kaziranga – pothar meaning agricultural land) and has subsequently referred to Hyatt as the main brand behind the luxury hotel. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Jenipro Hotels and ATDCL and Jenipro was later acquired by Juniper Hotels, as per reports. Juniper hotels are the main subsidiary of the Hyatt brand developing the hotel, as well as the Saraf Group.

... The Adivasi families (around 45 in number) have repeatedly voiced and presented their objection to the land transfer conducted without their consent and raised a petition in the Gauhati High Court... The forceful acquisition also has taken place despite the land being a fragile ecological space, a vital wildlife corridor as well as refuge for animals during the floods.

... Pranab Doley, convenor of the Greater Kaziranga Land and Human Rights Protection Committee, has supported and raised his voice for the families and is now arrested on trumped up charges for democratic dissent.

... As the international brand projected as the developers of the hotel by the state government itself, we appeal to the Hyatt global brand to condemn this unjust arrest and constitute an independent inquiry into the land dispute, address grievances and support the demand for justice for the communities, who still tirelessly fight for their land. The state government’s forceful land acquisition for the hotel, which amounts to land-grabbing, cannot come at the cost of the livelihood of the people of the land and their supporters.