This followed a meeting on Friday between Ramotar and a team of government officials with opposition political party members and key stakeholders at the national and regional levels, including representatives of the Linden Chamber of Commerce, to calm fears that the unrest could escalate.
What started off as a peaceful protest last Wednesday (July 18) against government’s decision increase electricity tariffs in Linden turned ugly as several buildings and vehicles were burnt and roads into and out of the town were blocked. During clashes with police that same day, three people were killed and several others injured in the mining town.
The government in a statement on the day said it sincerely regrets the loss of lives and injuries as events took an unfortunate turn for the worse but, reiterated that the gradual increase in tariffs for Linden did not warrant such violent behaviour.