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| Sunday, 15 February 2004 |
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Politics |  |
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Polls violence looms on the horizon by JAYAMPATHY JAYASINGHE With parliament dissolved on February 8th and elections scheduled for April 2, the ugly spectre of polls-related violence looms menacingly on the horizon. Many, recalling the numerous violent incidents that climaxed in the horrific bloodbath at Udathalawinna, during election 2001, question whether 2004 would usher in a period of similar violent unrest, and urge political parties to exercise utmost caution to ensure a violence-free polls. The failure to establish an Election Commission is being viewed by many as a major drawback to preventing violence -during the run-up to April 2, as is the absence of an Independent Police Commission. "We need the police to play a tougher and an impartial role in preventing polls-related violence ," say apprehensive voters , pointing out that political violence had raised its ugly head weeks before parliament was dissolved. Several incidents of politically-motivated violence were reported from different parts of the country including Puttalam, Nikeweratiya, Mawathagama, Panadura, Walapane, Kataragama, Embilipitiya shortly after the signing of the MoU between the SLFP and the JVP on January 20. Chairman of the Peoples Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Kingsley Rodrigo expressing concern about the violence that took place prior to and after the signing the MOU between the SLFP and the JVP. He says that PAFFREL is concerned about politically-motivated violence during the General election 2004. However, he was confident that the Police would be able to discharge their duties impartially, as they now function directly under a National Police Commission. According to the Police several incidents of violence have so far been reported before and after the signing of the MOU between the JVP and the SLFP. The most serious was reported from Puttalam where two persons who arrived on a motor bike had flung a hand grenade at two PA-JVP supporters decorating the street at Kuddieruppuwa to celebrate the MoU. They succumbed to their injuries but six others were injured in the attack. The incident occurred around 11,40 pm, on the day before the signing of the MOU. Police said they have launched an investigation to apprehend all those responsible for the attack. Apart from the incident in Puttalam several other cases involving assaults on PA -JVP supporters by UNP supporters have also been reported. In the Walaponne town, a UNP Pradeshiya Sabha member, had exchanged blows with a SLFP-JVP supporter after a heated argument. In Mawathagama a JVP and a UNP supporter had been admitted to the hospital after exchanging blows. They were later discharged from the hospital. Meanwhile people in Embilipitiya had pelted stones at farmers engaged in a fast unto death. The farmers were accused of removing flags hoisted by the UNP in connection with a protest march. Police have ordered both parties to appear at the Embilipitiya Police station for an inquiry. In Kataragama a UNP Pradeshiya Sabha member allegedly under the influence of liquor is said to have beaten up a JVP member hoisting flags. The suspect who was brought before the DMO Kataragama has stated that he was not under the influence of liquor but was found to be drunk when he was brought before DMO Tissamaharama, police said. A spokesman for the Election Commissioner's Department said a recent Supreme Court decision has held that the Commissioner of Elections could annul results of an election in the event of malpractices like impersonation and stuffing of ballot boxes. Under the 17th Amendment to the Constitution the Commissioner of Elections will have the power to formulate guidelines for the conduct of a peaceful election in the absence of an Election Commission. This move is seen by some as a step that could reduce the incidence of violence during an election. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Indra de Silva, when asked about plans to put a stop to election-related violence said the police will mobilise its strength to stamp out any form of violence. During the previous General Election, every polling booth had two to three armed policemen to prevent violence and other unruly incidents, in the 9800 polling booths scattered in the country. In addition, 1500 home guards were also deployed in border villages of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Amapara and Kantale to prevent violence. In Chilaw area alone four riot squads were stationed owing to the high incidence of polls-related violence. Previous Incidents During the last Parliamentary Election the following cases were reported from different parts of the country. 24- Murders, 54- Attempted Murders, 26 - theft with firearms, 537 -Simple Hurt, 579- Abuse and Threat, 423- Mischief, 100- Election Offences, 15 -Impersonation, 19 -Robbery of Polls cards, 02 -Stuffing of Ballot Boxes, 09 - Chasing of Poll Agents, 06- Chasing of Voters, 39 -Grievous Hurt, 21- Abductions, 48- Arson, 56- Robberies and 13 House Breaking and Theft. Gun Amnesty The government has decided to declare a period of amnesty from February 1 to February 29 for those in possession of firearms without a valid permit. The move could be seen as a step to reduce violence in the event of an election. A person who possesses any unlicensed shotgun, revolvers, pistols, or other firearms has been given an opportunity to present them to the closest police station and obtain a temporary licence. Application forms could be obtained from the nearest police station. The completed forms should be furnished with the National Identity Card along with a money order to the value of Rs.10 issued in favour of the Secretary, Ministry of Internal Security, Colombo. The Secretary, Ministry of Internal Security, M. N. Junaid said that after the expiration of the amnesty period, a special programme will be launched to initiate legal action against those who possess firearms without a license. However this will not be applicable to those firearm holders who possess an expired gun licence issued after 1997 and was not renewed from 1997-2003. Such licences have to be renewed through the respective District Secretary. Under Section 22 of the Firearms Ordinance, No 33 of 1916, a person convicted for the offence of possessing a firearm without a valid licence, is liable to stringent punishment. |
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