Having watched how our state officers react to criticism, it is both disturbing and disheartening to see them take it personally and engage citizens in street battles. They turn a deaf ear to the voice of many, disregarding the principles of democracy and public engagement.
Our constitution grants rights to every citizen and affirms the necessity of public participation whenever the government wants to implement a project. Unfortunately, the nuclear authority has so far failed to engage the citizenry in meaningful public participation, nor have they informed the community through proper channels about their plans and activities.
Today, the community was caught off guard when the nuclear authority arrived to install seismic equipment at a site within the community. This site was not publicized, and no prior notice was given. This lack of transparency is a violation of our constitutional rights and a blatant disregard for the importance of public participation.
When community members gathered to inquire about the activities, they were met with police force. Officers used excessive force to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries and the mishandling of angry protesters. This heavy-handed approach only serves to deepen the mistrust between the community and the authorities and underscores the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability.
The actions of the nuclear authority and state officers are unacceptable. Public participation is not just a formality; it is a fundamental right enshrined in our constitution to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and respected in decisions that affect their lives. The use of force to silence dissent and the failure to engage with the community in a transparent manner are indicative of a broader issue of governance that must be addressed.
We call on the government and the nuclear authority to respect the rights of citizens, ensure transparent and open communication, and engage in genuine public participation. Only by doing so can we build trust and move forward in a way that is inclusive and respectful of all stakeholders
