As protests against the controversial Mannar wind power project continued this week, locals have reported suspicions over apparent attempts to manufacture support for the scheme.
On Monday, thousands of residents from across Mannar took to the streets to oppose the project, which they say threatens their land and livelihoods. Yet on Tuesday, a group of youth staged a demonstration in front of the Mannar District Secretariat under the banner “Mannar Needs the Wind Power Plant.” They also submitted a memorandum in favour of the development to the District Secretariat.
Local residents quickly raised doubts over the protest, noting that many of those taking part were not from the district. When challenged, several demonstrators fled. Others admitted they had been brought from Mallavi under the pretext of attending a meeting, and confessed they were promised food, money and expenses in exchange for their participation. Those who transported them reportedly disappeared after dropping them off at the protest site.
Youth organisations in Mannar have condemned the tactic, warning that forces behind the wind power project is attempting to sow confusion in the midst of widespread district-wide opposition. They also accused the companies behind the project of soliciting letters from village youth clubs under the guise of “assistance,” which were later circulated on social media as if they were endorsements of the project.
The exposure of paid demonstrators comes amid weeks of sustained protests by Mannar residents against the wind power scheme, with campaigners insisting that the project has proceeded without transparency, adequate consultation or consent from affected communities.
