IWGIA condemns targeting of Pranab Doley due to protesting that resulted in cancellation of $434.25 million loan ADB project in Assam

By  Firstdespatch Desk   Jul 16, 2026

16 July 2026, Copenhagen: The International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA), a global organisation working in support of Indigenous Peoples rights, today condemns targeting of Mr. Pranab Doley, an Indigenous human rights defender (HRD) by Assam Police, possibly as a revenge for cancellation of a $434.25 million loan of the Asian Development Bank for a solar project in Assam.

Mr. Doley was arrested by the Assam Police from Sundarpur, Guwahati on 12 July 2026 in connection with Bokakhat Police Station Case No. 108/2026, registered on 29 June 2026 regarding a protest against the proposed Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) Hyatt luxury hotel project at Ingle Pathar near Kaziranga National Park. He was subsequently taken to Golaghat, formally shown arrested on 13 July 2026 at 3.30 AM. On 13 July 2026, he was remanded to seven days police custody by the Bokakhat District Court.

IWGIA states that Mr Pranab Doley has been targeted for withdrawal of the Asian Development Bank’ $434.25 million loan to a proposed 1000 MW Solar Park in Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council in Assam in May 2025. Mr Pranab Doley, as the Convenor of the Karbi Anglong Solar Power Project Affected People’s Rights Committee (KASPAPPC), had been opposing the land diversion citing various irregularities in conducting an assessment by the ADB consultants and government officials. His arrest immediately after spearheading the protests indicates that he has been targeted for his legitimate human rights advocacy and for peacefully speaking up for the rights of the affected communities.

As Mr Pranab Doley was found leading the protest against Hyatt luxury hotel project at Ingle Pathar near Kaziranga National Park that would displace Indigenous Peoples and other communities, the government of Assam decided to silence Mr Doley and project affected people by filing a false case.

The legality of eviction from Hyatt luxury hotel project at Ingle Pathar near Kaziranga National Park is subjudice as only on 1 June 2026, the Guwahati High Court heard a petition of 20 Adivasi families, some of whom earn a living as daily wage workers in the neighbouring tea gardens and the High Court issued notices to Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) to reply to the petition on the matter in four weeks. Even before the Guwahati High Court could adjudicate, the Assam Police decided to silence the Adivasis. 

IWGIA believes seven days police custody as disproportionate and calls upon the government of Assam to immediately release Mr Pranab Doley from custody.