Three landowners from Navunikabi Village in Namosi were questioned by police regarding a protest against the construction of a hydro dam near their village. The Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa, confirmed that the individuals were taken into custody for questioning related to the alleged unlawful protest that took place on September 28, 2024. According to their lawyer, Nemani Tuifagalele, the group consisted of two men and one woman, with the woman being released shortly after her interview and the two men held overnight.
The police arrests were made under the Public Order Act, and while statements have been taken, no charges have yet been filed as investigations are ongoing, with more individuals expected to be questioned in the future.
In response to the police actions, Sipiriano Nariva, chairperson of the landowners committee “Lomani Au Maroroi Au” (LAMA), expressed his frustration, emphasizing that the protest was a peaceful endeavor to protect their land. Nariva criticized the rationale behind the police questioning, asserting that the protesters were simply asserting their rights. He highlighted that the need for permits in this context is confusing and unnecessary. LAMA upholds the belief that safeguarding one’s land and community should not be criminalized, referencing international rights frameworks such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing development projects with respecting indigenous rights and the local community’s voice. As discussions continue, there is a hope that dialogue will lead to a resolution that honors both the landowners’ rights and the need for progress in infrastructure.
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