Strengthening security
The decision taken by
the Government to strengthen security islandwide in the wake of
Tuesday's LTTE attack in Akuressa is a timely one since there is
a real possibility of the LTTE going for soft targets in the
provinces following the stringent security measures deployed in
the Colombo city.
A new security system is also been planned for the South
which is becoming more and more vulnerable to terrorist attacks
by the cornered Tigers now seeking an escape route. This is more
so since the coming days is bound be crucial in the three
decades old civil war with the LTTE poised to receive the killer
blow. Thus the Tigers are bound to vent their frustration on the
innocent civilian population in a last throw of the dice.
This once again raises the spectre of the now familiar bus
and train bombs which had been the stock in trade of Tigers when
facing defeat on the battlefront. Claymore attacks in far flung
villages with low security presence, such as the Kebethigollewa
massacre too cannot be ruled out.
Even places of religious worship and special religious events
such as annual church feasts where massive crowds gather will be
fair game for the LTTE judging by the audacious attack in the
premises of a Mosque on a day of significance for Muslims, on
Tuesday.
True, the new security measure would entail additional
manpower which the forces could ill-afford at a time the war is
at decisive phase. But as we mentioned yesterday in these
columns a spectacular attack outside the theatre of war is bound
to give milage to a dying outfit. This has to be avoided at all
cost. This is also a time where the public should cooperate to
ensure maximum security in their own interest.
In this regard it is alarming to note the lax security in
buses and trains at present. This is in contrast to security
alertness in public transport which went into overdrive in the
immediate aftermath of the series of bus and train bombs in the
recent past with bus crew and public ever vigilant for
suspicious parcels and other objects.
No longer is this scrutiny evident endangering life and limb
of innocent passengers. The Transport Minister should issues
strict instructions for all bags and parcels to be examined and
that overhead racks be cleared of all baggage.
It is apparent that the public in typical Sri Lankan style
had dropped their guard after the initial excitement and are
back to their lethargic selves which is just what the terrorists
anticipate.
The Big match season that is now upon us too will offer ample
opportunity to the LTTE to create mayhem. School authorities
should prevail on their charges to do way with all Big Match
parades and motorcades that would be inviting trouble. For, the
desperate Tigers on its last legs are not likely to be selective
in their prey. Politicians and other VIP hordes that show
themselves at these extravaganzas would so well to change their
minds especially following Tuesday's carnage. Besides one needs
not be reminded that this is not the most opportune time for
revelry when our valiant men on the battled field are laying
down their lives in fierce battles. Nor when innocent civilians
trapped in the LTTE areas are undergoing great misery and
privations.
Security should also be beefed up in all branches of State
Banks and other key Government institutions in the provinces
which may be targets. Far flung villages which recently came
under terrorist attacks reminiscent of past LTTE tactics, should
be given special protection.
Intelligence gathering too should be stepped up to ferret out
Tiger operatives from sleeper cells in the city.It was some time
ago suggested that the army of three wheeler operators in the
city be made use as amateur sleuths for the purpose on the basis
that they are well familiar with the city's underbelly.
This, while helping to boost effective intelligence gathering
would also save the security apparatus valuable manpower.
Security no doubt is going to receive top priority in the
Government's agenda in the coming days.Eternal vigilance should
be the by word of the public who no doubt would also be called
upon to endure inconvenience and hardship to ensure a foolproof
security set up.
The topic of security should also be taken to schools where
young minds would be inculcated on the importance of vigilance
in the present times.
Overall, the primary aim of our security planners should be
to block LTTE depredations into the South as it had effectively
done in hitherto Tiger controlled areas in the North and East.
For this to be achieved a similar security plan has to be worked
out in the South as well. This may cause hardships to many. But
it is a price one has to pay to stay alive. |