The Lands and Natural Resources Ministry has described as unfortunate, recent clashes between the youth of La and the Military over the ownership of land adjoining the Burma Camp Military Cemetery.

The youth of La on Thursday, April 15, 2021, protested what they described as the encroachment of La Stool lands by the military.

However, the military faced off with the youth.

Some of the media personnel who were there to cover the protest were also beaten and manhandled by some of the soldiers at the scene.

The group within the La Traditional Council, the Coalition of La Associations, defied orders of the police to suspend their intended demonstration.

Soldiers dragging a protestor on the ground who was subsequently hit in the head.

The soldiers also beat up some of the protestors and the journalists who were there to cover the demonstration with sticks and other objects.

The Lands Ministry in a statement signed by its Chief Director, Prof. Patrick Agbesinyale regretted the incident as it says series of constructive negotiations with stakeholders will be done.

“All parties are requested to remain calm and exercise restraint. The Ministry is making every effort to proffer a lasting solution which will inure to the benefit of all parties and the country.”

Meanwhile, the military has unreservedly apologized to the journalists and some other civilians who suffered the brutality during the protest.

The military administration in a statement said it is gravely disturbed by the unfortunate incident and, as a matter of urgency, it has commenced investigations into the matter.

It, however, acknowledged that “reasonable force” was used in restraining the protestors since the site for the demonstration houses vital military installations which, if destroyed, will negatively impact national security.