It is now beyond dispute and debate as to where the responsibility for the current impasse at Linden must lie. Not satisfied with  almost bringing the nation to the precipice of a  socio–economic standstill, compliments of vengeful  and ill-advised  budgetary cuts, recently adjudicated by the Chief Justice as illegal,  both political opposition parties, APNU and the AFC have continued this deliberate, anti–national behaviour, by advising  Lindeners not to accept the  previously agreed  decision by David Granger and President Ramotar as to the gradual removal of the electricity subsidy.
Since the initiation of what had been described as a peaceful protest, three Lindeners have died, and 20 injured during a stand–off with the police on July 18; acts of arson committed, resulting in the destruction of the Linmine Building Complex, and the wilful torching of several vehicles – one such incident that occasioned a driver, making his way from the interior, to narrowly escape being incinerated.
How can both opposition parties nurture the continuation of actions that are  clearly extreme, and which have served to facilitate  criminal acts,  is beyond the realm of rational thinking for two main reasons.
First, if we are to accept  from Lindeners that their community is in a state of economic  travail, with all the attendant consequences, then the opposition- supported  closing down the town measures, which can only   continue to hurt the economic lives of the residents,  were  most backward and stupid.  Lindeners and their community can only endure more unnecessary pain.
Second, and which again must be re-emphasised, such encouragement by  both parties for dangerous, narrow political ends  is retrogressive, and  plays into the hands of the extremists, as in the not-so-long ago Buxton  terror. Moreover, this is not the type of responsible leadership promised by both parties  during the run-up to the last  November poll, and even immediately after,  given the new political realities  present at this time.
One is still shocked by David Granger’s volte face on the gradualist  arrangement. This somersault severely calls into question his leadership  steel, especially when  faced with critical   issues pertaining to the national interest.  His  unprincipled act has contributed in a most significant way to the current township’s status quo at this time.
This brings one to the important  question as to whether what is occurring in the mining town  is supported by all Lindeners. Is there a silent majority, kept uncomfortably in their homes by the reported lawless activities of thugs who, according to press reports, have been attacking and robbing persons along trails. Then there are the extortioners who are exacting huge sums of money as toll fees.
This is beginning to resemble the Buxton nightmare as alluded to earlier.There’s  the claim  by Tacuma Ogunseye,  in particular,  that what had unfolded  in Buxton was the doings of freedom fighters. And what did it really become in the final analysis? A haven for some of the most vicious collection of criminals, and their horrendous acts, perpetrated on villagers and elsewhere alike! Parallel this with  vehicles not being allowed  to  enter  nor leave the town of Linden; business persons’ trucks being looted of their commodities; and Amerindians travelling  for the important National Toshaos Conference  being prevented from exiting the well-known Linden trail for further travel to the city. How in the name of good heavens can such a protest be described as peaceful? This is clearly intimidatory.
Both APNU and the AFC must therefore begin to take immediate steps to normalise this volatile state of being that is entirely of their crafting. This is their duty as national stakeholders. Such an intervention is  incumbent upon them for the maintenance of peace of the nation.