Unjust accusations against state

Wasantha Priya Ramanayake - Translated by A. A. M.Nizam

There are sufficient examples of the Opposition thrusting the responsibility for murders on the government. From Dodampe Mudalali's murder to the Katuwana incident, there is no proof that the governments had any direct involvement in the murders. But ultimately the government is expected to take responsibility. Therefore, it is important to give instructions to implement law and order to the letter.

Katuwana and other recent incidents seem to have been carried out by those possessing illegal arms. When a war is waged in a country, it is not unusual to find illegal arms being infiltrated to other parts of the country. In the mechanism adopted by the then government to suppress the situation which prevailed in the country during the 88-89 period, the government used several groups possessing illegal arms for the suppression process. Thus, allegations were levelled against the then government.

The security forces suppressed the LTTE and liberated the country. The guns silenced at Vellimulai Vaikkal, still remain silent. But illegal arms are in the South apparently.

The allegations made against the Police for failing to silence illegal arms and apprehend those possessing such arms, cannot be ignored. It has become the task of the Opposition to free the Police at these allegations and direct them towards the government. The Opposition directs allegations against the government under the interpretation that it is solely the government which should be held responsible for the security lapses in the country.

The government cannot distance itself from these allegations by presenting accounts of crimes committed during the rule of the Opposition. Solutions cannot be found by presenting similarities or dissimilarities in crimes during various political eras.

The statement made by the Tangalle High Court judge that Julampitiya Amare came to this situation because of the mistake of the Police, should open the eyes of the Police. A newspaper reported on June 21 that the Tangalle High Court judge said although he ordered the Police to take Julampitiya Amare into custody on whom over 100 warrants have been issued by the courts, the Police did not carry it out.

No one with a sound mind would believe that the government had a political intention of directing a murderous attack on a small meeting held in a place like Katuwana. But there could be thugs who have a mentality of controlling the area. There is a culture to display thuggery under cover of those holding power. There could be such thugs within the Security Forces and outside as well. These thugs are sworn enemies of a government that implement projects for the benefit of the people.

People in several parts of the country are suffering from severe drought. Even those in the lower strata have started feeling the pinch of economic problems. However, these groups remember the freedom they have gained because of vanquishing LTTE terrorism.

There are storms and gales that hit in a visible manner. At the same time, those who indulge in politics should understand that there are firestorms that suddenly hit after lying low under the ashes.