Guwahati, Aug. 19 -- Thirty-seven international civil society, Indigenous peoples' and human rights organisations have urged the Assam government to withdraw the National Security Act (NSA) order against indigenous and land rights activist Pranab Doley and facilitate his immediate release.

In an open letter dated August 18, the organisations also called for the withdrawal of criminal charges against four other activists arrested during protests against a proposed five-star hotel at Inglay Pathar, near Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR).

The signatories described Doley's detention as a serious attack on Indigenous rights defenders. They said Doley and affected communities had alleged that the hotel project was being pursue...