Police give Tyendinaga Mohawk protesters deadline to clear rail blockade: reports

TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY, Ont. – Protesters have been given until the end of the night to clear a blockade on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory that’s crippled the country’s rail network, according to media reports.

The reports say Ontario Provincial Police and Canadian National informed protesters that they will face an investigation and possible charges if they don’t clear the tracks in eastern Ontario by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.

The barricade has shut down train traffic along a key corridor for more than two weeks.

A video posted to YouTube by Real People’s Media appears to show the OPP and CN Rail informing the Mohawk of a deadline

CN declined to comment on the reported move, and spokespeople with the OPP did not immediately respond.

The barricades are a response to a move by the RCMP to arrest protesters who had been blocking access to a pipeline worksite on Wet’suwet’en territory in northern British Columbia.

Hereditary chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en Nation oppose the work on their traditional, unceded territory.

Meantime, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he has spoken to the premiers of Ontario, Quebec and B.C. about the ongoing blockades.

I spoke with Premiers @fordnation, @francoislegault, and @jjhorgan about the blockades and the ongoing work we’re doing to reach a resolution. https://t.co/48bBdhd9ct

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 24, 2020

“The Prime Minister informed the premiers of measures being taken to ensure that critical needs are addressed across Canada, including propane, chemicals to treat drinking water, and essential agricultural products. We will remain in close contact with all provinces to address urgent needs as required, and we will continue to support coordinated efforts to find a resolution,” reads a statement.

“The Prime Minister and the premiers reiterated their commitment to resolving the situation peacefully.”