On August 7, tensions in Assam escalated between local activists and the government over a proposed high-end hotel in Kaziranga. Activists Manohar Pegu of the National Alliance of Peoples’ Movement (NAPM) and Ritupan Pegu of the Greater Kaziranga Land and Human Rights Committee (GKLHRC) were reportedly attacked and detained by police while documenting testimonies from evicted families in Rongajan village.

This incident comes after the National Green Tribunal scrutinised the hotel plans at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. The activists allege that a mob of over 100 villagers, incited by misinformation, assaulted them, damaged their vehicle, and prevented their departure. Local police intervened but reportedly detained the activists and their supporters instead of addressing the violence.

Pranab Doley, a prominent opponent of the hotel project, claimed the incident was politically motivated. He accused the government and BJP of using false information to discredit him and the activists. The controversy involves significant legal and public opposition to the hotel project, which activists argue threatens the park’s ecosystem and local communities. The proposed hotels backed by the Taj Group and Hyatt Hotels, has sparked considerable debate.

On August 3, 2024, the Sarma-led state government allegedly signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tata Group to establish a five-star Taj Hotel at Hatikhuli. Previously, in September 2023, the government is also alleged to have signed another MoU with Chicago-based Hyatt Hotels for the development of a five-star hotel at Inglay Pothar.

The Business and Human Rights Resource Center invited both the Taj and Hyatt Hotels to comment on the incident, but they did not provide a response.