Protesters near Tamavua Village released by Police

A group of people holding a public protest near Tamavua Village were taken in for questioning by Police earlier this morning.

The group also had some representatives from the SODELPA Youth Group.

Protestors taken in for questioning near Tamavua Village

Peter Waqavonovono and Sam Savu were part of the group of protesters.

They claim they are protesting against part of the village land allegedly being given away without their prior consent.

The piece of land near Tamavua Village where protesters were present

Police Chief of Operations ACP Maretino Qiolevu has confirmed to Fijivillage that they attended to a report where a group who were intending to show their grievances to the iTaukei Land Trust Board with regards to the issuance of a lease for their land.

ACP Qiolevu says the lease is for the development on the land.

He says a team from Samabula Police Station was deployed to the scene.

The piece of land next to Tamavua Village where protesters were present

ACP Qiolevu says the Police Officers warned the protesters not to take matters in their own hands and they were dispersed peacefully.

The Tamavua Community Police Officers then spoke to the group.

Police present at the protest scene

ACP Qiolevu says action was taken by Police to ensure the safety of everyone.

He says they have also asked the group to follow the legal processes available to them.

We have contacted the CEO of iTaukei Land Trust Board Tevita Kuruvakadua.

We are expecting a statement on the issue later this afternoon.