Three individuals from Navunikabi Village in Namosi have been questioned by police following an alleged unlawful protest against the construction of a hydro dam near their village. Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa, confirmed that the trio was taken into custody for questioning, as the protest on September 28, 2024, reportedly raised concerns among local residents regarding land and environmental impacts.
The lawyer representing the landowners, Nemani Tuifagalele, stated that the group included two men and one woman. While the woman was released after being interviewed, the two men were held for further questioning until the following day before their release. The police engagement was conducted under the Public Order Act, and while statements have been collected, no charges have yet been brought against the individuals involved.
In response to their apprehension, Sipiriano Nariva, chairperson of the local landowners committee known as Lomani Au Maroroi Au (LAMA), voiced dissatisfaction with the police actions. Nariva emphasized that the protest was a peaceful attempt to protect their rights to land and question the necessity of a permit for such gatherings. He argued that the right to safeguard one’s land is an inherent entitlement enshrined in international frameworks, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between local communities advocating for their land rights and authorities enforcing regulations regarding public demonstrations. The situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between development projects and community preservation, underscoring the importance of dialogue and understanding in conflict resolution.
Overall, there is a forward-looking sentiment among the villagers, who remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting their land and ensuring that their voices are heard in discussions that influence their future.
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