'Use of illegal arms came with open economy, NE war'
 

by Victor Marambage, Talawa Group Corr.

"Use of illegal small arms started with the introduction of the open economy and the North East war. The Police also have to have arms due to this war. Though there is no war in Talawa area we are forced to bear arms due to illegal arms flowing into the area K. D. Chandrapala (IP) OIC Talawa Police said.

He was speaking and the "Global Week of Action Against Guns" demonstration held at Talawa Maha Vidyalaya and organised by Talawa Mediation Committee.

"The police can perform its duties without bearing arms. Even if we bear arms we can do it without exhibiting them. Sri Lanka has not reached Chicago crimes rates as yet. Further we never should show the children arms. They will initiate us. Parents as well as children should be made aware of the danger of even toy guns.

Production or import of clothes resembling the uniform materials of armed forces should be banned. We all should instil good thoughts in the young. It is good that youngmen choose Army life. But it is bad if they choose it to bear arms. The bodies we saw on road side some years ago was a result of inflow of illegal arms.

If this type of things are never to be repeated children should be taught from their childhood the value of human life. Parents should make it a point not to give children toy arms. Better substitutes are available," he added.