Once more on violence

Election related violence is on the rise. The rate of increase is alarming. Already four deaths have taken place. Several dozens have been injured in clashes between rival groups. The victims are supporters of both the Governing party and the Opposition.

Is this violence necessary? Certainly not. What good could it bring? Nothing.

The basic reason for the eruption and escalation of violence is the disrespect for the law of the land. Those who engage in such violent acts do so with the knowledge that their political masters would bail them out in difficulty.

Hence the principal blame for the violence has to be taken by the leaders of political parties that do not discipline their following. What ultimately happens is that the poor victims and their families will have to bear their human and other losses in silence. While the principal rivals on whose behalf the acts of violence were committed make up and befriend each other the families of the victims live with the loss and deprivation for several generations.

In our opinion, the law enforcement officers too are to blame. They must act without fear or favour. Unfortunately they are under pressure from politicians. However, it is no excuse for lapses on their part.

As pointed out on an earlier occasion, many incidents of violence relate to instances of attacks on campaign offices of rivals, their cut-outs, banners and slogans on display.

The use of lethal weapons in some of these acts of violence points to their pre-meditated nature. It is much more dangerous than spontaneous attacks that result from provocations.

In fact, growth of violence points to the political culture prevalent in the country. The three-decade old war gave rise to a thriving underworld weapons market. Firearms, though legally banned are within the reach of those who seek them. The climate of impunity that was associated with the war also facilitated the spread of illegal arms.

The nexus between the politicians and the criminal underworld is one of the mainstays of the culture of political violence. As long as this nexus operates it will be difficult for law enforcement officers to eradicate the menace of political violence.

Now that the war is over and almost all political parties and groups have entered the political mainstream, there is no need for anyone to recourse to armed politics. It is up to these political parties to educate their following on democratic ways of pursuing politics.

In the meantime, police will have to apply the law strictly without fear or favour. Unless the trigger-hungry villains on either side are controlled the situation could deteriorate further in the run up to the polling day.

Any violence on the day of polling would reflect on the results and the country’s image. It could create a climate of volatility and instability.

In this regard the open and veiled threats to the opponents in public rallies give an ominous signal. It is necessary to stop such irresponsible behaviour on the part of those that address the crowds and give an example of decency and decorum to the followers. If the ascending march of political violence is to be halted the police must strictly enforce law and order and the public should cooperate.

Enriching the lexicon

The election campaign is not without its humour and drama. For the past several weeks we have seen the performance of political trapeze acrobats who overnight change their allegiances, often producing so much vomited matter in public.

There are also behind the scene deals of which one alleged deal surfaced last week producing a melodrama. The sudden emergence of deals and documents buried beneath the sand of politics and economics keep the onlookers spell bound and glued to the TV sets. The late night talk shows take the prize for the tirade of verbal blows exchanged, at times leading almost to physical blows.

Then there are those witty lexicologists who never cease to coin new words or find new meanings to existing words. The latest addition to the lexicon is kalavedda (pole-cat) used disparagingly to one’s opponents. Incidentally, humans have always used the names of animals to degrade other humans, For example they use balla, buuruva, gona, uruleva, etc. Fortunately, these innocent animals cannot sue the humans for defamation or bring them before international tribunals.