Assam Government Defends Kaziranga Tourism Projects Amid Activists’ Arrests

Guwahati: The Assam government on Monday defended its proposed tourism projects near Kaziranga National Park, stating that the land earmarked for a tea museum and a five-star hotel is government-owned. Cabinet Minister Atul Bora said the projects would boost tourism and preserve Assam’s tea heritage, while alleging that “vested interests” were spreading misinformation to obstruct development.

The clarification came a day after indigenous rights activist Pranab Doley was arrested over protests against the land allocation. His arrest, along with that of activist Aditya Rabha, sparked protests by Opposition legislators in the Assam Assembly, with Raijor Dal MLAs demanding their immediate release and staging a walkout from the House.