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Security posers that need addressing

The cold-blooded killing of Southern Provincial Council Minister, M.D. Ranjith, in a High Security Zone in the heart of Colombo in broad daylight, is likely to have caused alarm and concern among both the authorities and the public. For one thing, there is evidence here that the crime wave is continuing to relentlessly spiral, notwithstanding the profound anxiety it has triggered among the law-abiding citizenry.

Second, the killing is evidence that even what are seemingly the strongest security measures are not free of a few blemishes. For, the Provincial Minister was gunned down in a High Security Zone where some of the most rigorous security procedures are believed to be adopted. How is it, then, that these measures came to be breached so glaringly?

While jumping to conclusions would be inadvisable, we call for a thorough investigation into the killing, so as to bring to light the whole truth. Every angle to the incident must be probed comprehensively to bring the killers to justice as well as to prevent blameless parties from being needlessly implicated and denigrated by the crime.

One of the greatest boons the peace process has showered on the people is a relatively relaxed, tension-free atmosphere for the purpose of travel and engaging in one's day-to-day chores. The public are indeed relieved that needless security checks, barriers and the like do not get in their way. They are grateful for the opportunity to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, unhindered and untrammelled by needless security procedures.

However, this doesn't mean that caution could be thrown to the winds. It doesn't follow that basic security and safety precautions could be done away with. Nor could our security awareness be abandoned in full. This applies to both the law-enforcers as well as the public. While enjoying this much needed freedom from needless restraint and regimentation we should ensure that the essential security needs of all are met.

It is possible that those responsible for the killing of the Provincial Minister had crept through some loopholes and lapses in the city's security apparatus. If this is so, then it is time to be on the alert and to strike the right balance between liberty and protection.

The crime wave is no doubt a complex phenomenon requiring policy initiatives and actions on a number of planes. This, however, should not prevent the authorities from galvanizing themselves into action without being lulled into a sense of complacency.

It is quite clear that there are far too many dangerous weapons in circulation matched apparently evenly by those capable of using them dexterously and ruthlessly. These are challenges which need to be addressed without further delay.

A strong sense of urgency would do us immense good.

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