NFU Labasa branch secretary arrested

[posted 28 May 2009]

Labasa Branch Secretary of the National Farmers Union Surendra Lal was arrested by the Police on Saturday and held overnight at the Police cell.

The 24-hour detention and arrest took place after government revoked a permit issued earlier for the NFU Labasa Branch to hold its annual general meeting at the Labasa Civic Centre on Saturday 23 May.

On Friday 22 May, the NFU was informed by the commanding officer, RFMF Northern Division that the meeting had been cancelled by the National Security Forces. NFU General Secretary Mahendra Chaudhry asked that the cancellation be given in writing. A written confirmation was then forwarded by the District Officer, Macuata.

However, despite notices on radio put out by the NFU, several members did turn up at the Civic Centre on Saturday at 10am and not finding anyone there, showed up at the NFU office to find our what was happening.

They were drinking grog and chatting at the office when Army and Police personnel turned up at about 10.45am and ordered them out. At 11am that morning, Surend Lal was summoned to the Labasa Police Station and questioned on allegations that the Union had held a meeting.

There was no serious questioning – the officer would ask a question or two and then disappear for a long time. This went on until the evening when Lal was told he was being taken into custody and would spend the night in the cell. No charges were laid.

The following morning this “interview” continued in like manner. Eventually, Lal was released at about 11.30am with a warning that he should not undertake any unlawful activity.

The NFU sees this as harassment and intimidation of an Union official and a denial of the right of assembly of NFU members when other trade unions such as the two teachers unions have been allowed to hold their annual meetings.