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The killing of Army intelligence personnel

The intermittent killing of Army intelligence operatives in Colombo and in the North-East has, for some time now, been a source of deep bafflement.

While the rumour mill which has been busy over these killings has propounded theories on them, it is best that an objective and official probe be conducted on them to ascertain the truth. Accordingly, we welcome the appointment of a top-level three-man committee for this purpose by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

As is usually the case with security related incidents in this country, there could be more than meets the eye in these killings of Army informants. This is the reason why the investigation would need to be deep-ranging and extra penetrative. It should be remembered that the parties who could have a vested interest in such killings are numerous. This is the reason why restraint should be exercised in naming and blaming. This is an essential requirement in the process of meting out justice.

From what could be learnt thus far, special security arrangements were to be put in place in regard to these intelligence operatives. Apparently, they were observed more in the breach. The question which needs to be broached is, why weren't these officially-sanctioned security arrangements implemented in most of these cases?

Apparently, the victim of the April 26th killing in Dehiwela had enjoyed official protection some 45 minutes before his death. However, at the time he was gunned-down he was minus such protection.

Jumping to conclusions in the absence of a full-scale investigation could prove injudicious. This is the reason why a quick and comprehensive investigation needs to be conducted on these incidents. A probe which reveals the whole truth is owed to the public.

Meanwhile, we urge that tight security arrangements be put in place for the protection of all Army intelligence operatives. There is no gainsaying the fact that these personnel have been instrumental in advancing the national interest and that their interests, in turn, should be protected by the State. It is incumbent on everyone who claims to have the interests of the country at heart, to exercise maximum self-control while focusing and commenting on these operatives. Maximum judiciousness is a prime requirement in this context.

While the State needs to initiate the tightest security measures for these personnel, they too must act out of a strong security awareness. Unnecessary security risks must be avoided by them if dangerous designs are to be defeated. As a general rule, the security arrangements initiated for these operatives need to be concealed with stringent safeguards. The confidentiality of these arrangements should prove inviolable.

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