Land rights activist Pranab Doley was released after spending 118 days in detention under the National Security Act (NSA). His release follows the Gauhati High Court's decision to quash the detention order.
Speaking to the media after coming out of jail, Doley thanked the people of Assam for raising their voices in support of him and what he described as the defence of democracy.
“Lies can never win. This is the victory of the people of Assam,” he said, also acknowledging the lawyers who fought his case and journalists who tried to bring the facts before the public.
Doley expressed concern over what he described as the misuse of a stringent law such as the NSA. He said such legislation should not be imposed on any person through false allegations and urged people to stand together against its alleged misuse.
He said the Constitution guarantees citizens protection and the right to speak. Detaining ordinary people by invoking the NSA without proper grounds, he argued, was wrong.
He also appealed to ministers and police officials concerned to respect democratic values. Referring to land rights movements in Tinghle Pathar, Kaziranga and other parts of Assam, Doley thanked journalists for highlighting the struggles of people fighting for their land and rights.
He said he would continue to stand with people raising their voices for the rights of the people of Assam, including women such as Geeta Goala and Meena Goala.
