Dimasa Students’ body demands release of Aditya Rabha, Pranab Doley as concerns over democratic rights and freedom of peaceful protest continue to grow in Assam. The Dimasa Students’ Union (DSU) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of activists Aditya Rabha and Pranab Doley, alleging that their arrests raise serious questions about the protection of democratic values and the rights of indigenous communities. The student body also appealed to the state government to uphold constitutional principles and ensure that peaceful activism is not criminalised.
Dimasa Students’ body demands release of Aditya Rabha, Pranab Doley
The Dimasa Students’ Union issued a strong statement condemning the arrests of land rights activists Aditya Rabha and Pranab Doley. The organisation argued that democratic societies must protect the right to dissent and peaceful protest rather than suppress voices advocating for indigenous land and community rights.
According to the student body, the detention of the two activists has created concern among various indigenous organisations across Assam. The union stressed that democratic institutions should encourage dialogue instead of taking measures that may discourage public participation in issues affecting local communities.
The DSU urged the Assam government to review the cases and ensure that justice is delivered in accordance with constitutional safeguards and the rule of law.
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Why Aditya Rabha and Pranab Doley were arrested
Pranab Doley, a prominent indigenous rights and land rights activist, was arrested in connection with a case linked to protests against a proposed luxury tourism project near Kaziranga National Park. Assam Police have accused him of offences including unlawful assembly, criminal trespass and obstruction of public servants during protests held in late June.
Aditya Rabha, another activist associated with land rights movements, was arrested earlier in connection with alleged financial irregularities involving a cooperative savings institution. However, organisations supporting Rabha have described the charges as politically motivated and aimed at weakening ongoing land rights campaigns.
Supporters of both activists maintain that they have consistently worked with indigenous communities on issues related to land ownership, displacement and environmental protection.
Growing concerns over democratic rights
The arrests have triggered widespread reactions from student organisations, civil society groups and political leaders. The Dimasa Students’ Union stated that the increasing use of legal action against activists could create fear among citizens seeking to raise legitimate concerns through peaceful means.
The union argued that freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and democratic participation are fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. It called upon authorities to ensure that these rights remain protected while investigations proceed through due legal process.
Several civil society members have also questioned whether the arrests could discourage indigenous communities from participating in democratic movements related to land and environmental issues.
Political protests inside Assam Assembly
The issue has also reached the Assam Legislative Assembly. Raijor Dal legislators Akhil Gogoi and Mehboob Muktar staged a protest inside the Assembly demanding the release of Aditya Rabha and Pranab Doley.
The MLAs wore black attire during the protest, while Akhil Gogoi displayed a placard calling for the immediate release of both activists. The legislators later walked out of the Assembly after their demand was not taken up for discussion. They alleged that the arrests were linked to opposition against controversial land acquisition and development projects affecting indigenous communities.
National and international attention
The arrests have drawn attention beyond Assam. Several human rights organisations have sought the release of Pranab Doley, arguing that indigenous rights defenders should not face criminalisation for peaceful advocacy.
International organisations, including Indigenous Peoples Rights International (IPRI), have expressed concern over Doley’s arrest and urged authorities to ensure fair legal proceedings, legal representation and protection of democratic freedoms.
More recently, United Nations human rights experts also voiced concern regarding the detention of indigenous rights activists connected to the Kaziranga land rights protests. They warned that such actions could have a chilling effect on civic participation and urged authorities to uphold international human rights standards.
Calls for dialogue instead of confrontation
The Dimasa Students’ Union has appealed to the Assam government to engage with affected communities through dialogue rather than confrontation. The organisation believes that discussions involving indigenous representatives, civil society groups and government agencies would help address concerns related to land rights while preserving public trust in democratic institutions.
The student body reiterated that peaceful activism should be respected in a democracy and urged authorities to ensure transparency, accountability and adherence to constitutional values in handling such cases.
As demands for the release of Aditya Rabha and Pranab Doley continue to gain support from student bodies, political representatives and civil society organisations, the issue is likely to remain a significant topic in Assam’s public discourse. The developments have also intensified conversations about balancing law enforcement with the protection of democratic rights and indigenous voices.