Phulbari flare-up

We ask why did the situation come to such a pass at all when the programme of agitation was announced well in advance? Could we ask what precautions were taken on the first day of the agitation by the administration, the police and other agencies to ensure that the situation did not get out of hand?

Firing is a means of last resort, therefore why was the situation allowed to precipitate that required resorting to firing by the law enforcing agencies that caused the death of seven people? And who ordered the firing in the first place? And why was BDR inducted for crowd control that is basically the job of the police? The statement of the state minister for home, that his forces were shorthanded to prevent what occurred in Phulbari, is the most cynical one that demonstrates disregard for life and property of the citizens, as is the inanity of the energy advisor's statement. And why must the law enforcing agencies shoot to kill, if at all?

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It was equally shocking to see the absence on the spot of the administration on the second day of the agitation as the agitators were left to themselves to carry on with their destructive activities. It was a shameful example of abdication of duty on the part of the administration, which admits of no excuse.

Whatever may be the pros and cons of the Phulbari coalmine contract, people are within their rights to ventilate their grievances, but that must be done within legal bounds, and it is for the government to remove any misgivings from the public mind on the issue. But first and foremost, it was the duty of the government to protect life and property of the expatriate company and its staff by ensuring adequate security.

What happened in Phulbari and the way it happened might send wrong signals to foreign investors.