![A line of women provided a line between angered activists and a heavy RCMP presence. [Photo: M. Howe]](../../sites/mediacoop.ca/files2/mc/imagecache/bigimg/img_9583.jpg "A line of women provided a line between angered activists and a heavy RCMP presence. [Photo: M. Howe]")
Rexton, New Brunswick – After SWN Resources Canada earlier today obtained an injunction against the anti-shale gas blockade, tensions between the RCMP and activists came quite close to boiling over as the sun set along highway 134.
Incensed by the notion that the RCMP might descend upon the encampment at any time, several activists approached the line of RCMP that have blocked off highway 134 near the off-ramps for highway 11. A heated discussion ensued, and it was up to the women at the blockade to diffuse the immediate tensions. At one point, at least 30 RCMP officers were lined up at their end of the block, while a group of women linked hands and demanded that everyone retreat behind them.
A tense two hours ensued, where a linked line of women stood off against a line of RCMP officers. During this time it is unknown how many – if any – RCMP officers entered the woods encircling the Irving-owned compound that currently houses SWN Resources seismic testing equipment. The equipment is meant to test for shale gas deposits across New Brunswick, towards the end goal of engaging in the highly-polluting and water-intensive technique of hydraulic fracturing.
At around 9:30pm, Elsipogtog Chief Arren Sock arrived at the scene. After a protracted conversation between himself, other councillors from Elsipogtog First Nation and RCMP negotiators, Sock returned to the ever-vigilant line of women.
Sock informed the gathered crowd that the RCMP will remain on highest alert through the night. This, apparently, is due to calls that went across social media networks earlier in the evening, calling on people to come to the blockade bearing arms.
Sock further informed the activists that the blockade is now on lock-down. No one is allowed in, and anti-shale gas activists who leave will not be allowed to return. We have been informed that these conditions will be lifted as of 6am tomorrow morning, in deference to the daily Sunrise ceremony.
As a measure of commitment to his community, as well as to others opposed to SWN's presence in New Brunswick, Sock will be spending the night at the blockade.
