Congress Accuses BJP of Misusing NSA to Stifle Activism Following Pranab Doley’s Arrest

The Congress party has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Assam for invoking the National Security Act (NSA) against activist Pranab Doley, claiming it is part of a troubling trend where extraordinary laws are used to suppress dissent. This statement came in the wake of Doley’s arrest, which took place on July 12 after he participated in protests against a controversial hotel project located near Kaziranga National Park.

Doley’s protest aimed to voice concerns over potential environmental impacts and community displacement caused by the hotel development. However, the Assam police accused him of unlawfully entering the site of the Tea Tribes Museum and for allegedly carrying deadly weapons during the protests. These accusations surfaced shortly after Doley was granted bail by a sessions court in Golaghat on July 29, which noted that the police had already taken statements from key witnesses and found no risk of evidence tampering.

However, just a day after his bail was granted, the Assam government acted swiftly to re-detain Doley under the NSA. Officials claimed that Doley was involved in “suspicious foreign transactions” that allegedly violated the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. This move effectively nullified his release, leaving Doley in custody despite the court’s decision.

Responding to these developments, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh labeled the Assam government’s allegations against Doley as “vague and speculative.” He emphasized that such actions represent a broader strategy by the BJP to silence voices of dissent across the country. The invocation of the NSA, which permits lengthy detentions without trial of up to a year, raises significant concerns regarding civil liberties and the state’s accountability.

This incident highlights a growing concern among various civil rights organizations and opposition parties regarding the potential misuse of legal provisions to curtail freedom of speech and assembly in India. As the political climate remains contentious, the case of Pranab Doley may serve as a touchstone for ongoing debates about governance, human rights, and the role of activism in a democratic society.

Source: scroll.in