Lack of Trust Results in Violent Protests

Apr 30, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

Violence can never be a solution to a problem; violence (death and destruction) can never be justified. Yet, there is periodic public violence in our nation against the innocent – protesters taking to the street, leading to looting, arson, destruction, and occasionally death. Earlier this month, the police unleashed violence on protesters, killing two in Linden. An investigation and report are awaited.

The violence experienced since the death of the eleven-year-old child of Tuschen is largely the result of a lack of trust in and frustration with dealing with state institutions, especially the police. The government is always blamed for every problem, even when it had or has nothing to do with the issue. It was the police that messed up in their investigation over the missing child, who was subsequently discovered to have drowned as per autopsy reports. The police failed to do due diligence in looking for the child.

Because of police errors, the public also complain about the poor handling of perceived corruption, inadequate handling of accountability and transparency in governance (government and the opposition), a perceived compromised judiciary (but not all personnel, only some of them) and law enforcement (police, in particular), and politicians who seem to care more about themselves rather than what is best for the country.

People have lost respect for the police and most politicians. There seems to be greater respect and faith in religious and civic leaders (community elders) and educators than in politicians. The lack of trust in state institutions and politicians (elected officials) will have an impact on social cohesion, as it will hinder good governance and trust in institutions as a solution to problems or grievances. It can lead to violent protests, as witnessed over the last few days. The poor response from police to crime, abductions, domestic violence, protests, shootings, etc., will exact a high price on institutions, undermining people’s faith in them. Though protests in Linden started peacefully, they ended tragically due to clashes with the police. Lack of faith in police helps explain the unrest in Linden as well as in Tuschen. Elements in the police force have brought about the lack of trust in them.

Lack of trust, frustration with institutions, including the government itself (going back over the last decade). Religious and civic leaders enjoy more trust than elected leaders. Lack of opportunities among the unemployed also lessens trust in state institutions. Despite sustained economic growth, youth unemployment and a livable income have remained high, with many households unable to make ends meet. All this while, a corruption culture going back for a couple of decades has prevailed. People complain about a culture of impunity against the police and certain political officials.

Government needs to adopt a workable strategy with a well-defined direction in addressing the lack of trust in state institutions and grievances from the youth and against the police force that is viewed as compromised. Otherwise, trust in institutions will continue to erode, resulting in violent protests and political as well as economic instability.

Yours truly,

Vishnu Bisram

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