GENEVA: A group of United Nations human rights experts has called on the Government of India to immediately release five Indigenous human rights defenders detained in Assam, expressing concern that the criminal charges against them could undermine the legitimate work of those advocating for Indigenous communities' rights in the context of business and development projects.
In a statement issued on Friday, the UN experts said they were "deeply concerned" by reports that the activists had been deprived of their liberty for peacefully advocating the land and rights of Indigenous communities. They warned that such arrests and prosecutions could have a chilling effect on civic space and discourage others from speaking out against alleged human rights abuses.
According to the experts, Assam Police arrested Pranab Doley, Rajib Pegu, Brijit Kutum, Amit Nag, and Bhaskar Saikia in connection with protests held on June 29, 2026, against a proposed luxury tourism project at Inglay Pathar, near Kaziranga National Park. The project is reportedly linked to an agreement between the Assam Government and Juniper Hotels, and is associated with the Hyatt Group.
The UN experts noted that their concerns align with findings of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, which has previously highlighted that threats, arrests, surveillance, retaliation and legal harassment can prevent Indigenous Peoples and their defenders from participating freely in decision-making processes involving business activities.
"States must ensure that human rights defenders are able to exercise their right to protect, defend and promote human rights, and carry out their work safely and without fear of intimidation, reprisals or criminalisation," the experts said.
They also voiced concern over reports alleging that the local police involved in the arrests have previously faced accusations of torture and other forms of ill-treatment. The experts urged Indian authorities to ensure that all detained activists are treated with dignity and that their legal rights are fully protected.
Calling for the immediate release of the detainees if their imprisonment is solely linked to the peaceful exercise of their rights, the experts further urged the authorities to ensure that any criminal proceedings comply with international human rights standards. They also called for the suspension of any land acquisition or development activities until affected Indigenous communities have been meaningfully consulted and their free, prior and informed consent has been obtained.
The experts reiterated that, under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, business enterprises have a responsibility to respect human rights by identifying, preventing and addressing adverse impacts on Indigenous Peoples, while ensuring that individuals raising concerns are protected from reprisals.
They also encouraged India to strengthen its cooperation with the UN Human Rights Council's Special Procedures, including by accepting pending requests for country visits by mandate holders.
The UN experts confirmed that they have already communicated their concerns to the Government of India regarding the matter.