Protect the police

Elections Commissioner Mr. Dayananda Dissanayake is reported to have protested to the Inspector General of Police,Mr. Lakdasa Kodituwakku, about the failure of the police to provide adequate security for the North Western Province Provincial Council poll. Inspector General of Police, is reported in today's Island saying that investigations will be conducted to find out why the police were unable to prevent incidents of violence even though the police were given the full freedom to act against any sort of violence and to maintain law and order in the NWP. Even more significant is his statement that Ô though many people shout that they want peace and harmony, the police does not get the help needed when it is required'

If an honest inquiry is conducted by the police, the basic reason why there was a breakdown in law and order could be determined. It has to be pointed out not only was there a breakdown in law and order on election day but right throughout the election campaign, from nomination day itself. If the police were given full freedom to act on their own to maintain law and order as the IGP says, then the question arises whether some other forces were hindering the police in carrying out their duties.

At the commencement of the election campaign there was an attempt to move out government officers from the province but later these orders were rescinded. Then there was the transfer of the DIG in charge of the province, Mr. Camilus Abeygunawardene. There may not be any nexus between the elections and his transfer, but it certainly gave the wrong signal.

Even before the election day. it was clear that it was not a free and fair election campaign but more or less a free for all with thugs ruling the roost. If there was a breakdown in law and order just on election day, it could have been explained away on the element of surprise. But it was no surprise at all, when violence broke out in full force on election day. It was very well expected.

It is well known that the police back the party in power during elections. This is not because of any political affiliation but because there is political pressure exerted on them through indirect means. Even though the IGP says that the police were free to act to maintain peace, it did not happen in the North Western Province election campaign and on election day. Most of the cabinet ministers were campaigning in the province in addition to government MPs. The UNP had their leaders too in the province but it is highly unlikely that they would have received support from the police. When government MPs and ministers are on the move in the electorate going in and out of police stations the police naturally come under pressure from them. If they indulge in acts of violence, it is very unlikely that the police will take them into custody.

This kind of behaviour of the police in Sri Lanka is no secret. It is likely to happen in any country unless the police are protected from political interference. The government, if it is indeed serious about free elections and protection of democracy, must enact legislation to bring the police under an independent police commission and change elections laws creating an independent elections commission.These proposals are already included in the government's proposed constitution.

These amendments to the constitution will require a two third majority and the UNP and other parties will certainly vote for these proposals. But will the government have the guts to make this move before it goes for parliamentary and presidential elections next year?

Political parties in power exploit the government machinery and resources at election time and are unlikely to neutralise the police and government officials. But if Sri Lanka is to come out of the political mire it has fallen into, then these measures have to be taken.This is an opportune moment for the community leaders to press upon President Kumaratunga to move these constitutional amendments. Bishops and leading Buddhist monks have deplored the ugly incidents that took place in the NWP. That is not enough. They must continue to exert pressure on President Kumaratunga to take steps to prevent recurrence of what happened in the NWP.