Police under attack

The criminals appear to be enjoying a kind of preponderance that completely negates the force of law. Their domination has seemingly increased in direct proportion to the declining grip of police over the situation.

The killing of a police officer last Thursday is a fresh reminder of the increasing dangers their calling is exposing them to. Their threat perception does not appear to be realistic as the criminals are often found to be outmanoeuvering them.

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Those who lost their lives set an example of dedication to their profession. Their sacrifice will inspire others to fight crime with courage. We are in sympathy with their bereaved families and urge the government to help them out in their hour of need.

That said, the most ominous development has been the lack of urgency to arrest the killers or to break the back of the crime syndicates which pose a threat to law enforcers. The police department appears to be too slow in realising that its own members are no longer safe.

The nature and origin of the groups of criminals may not be the same all over the country. But one thing is very clear: they possess lethal weapons and are pretty much organised. The abundant supply of small arms and bombs is a source of great worry that has to be eliminated in order to bring about a turn-around.

Police must be better trained and equipped to counter the challenge of organised crime which is becoming more and more formidable. The government must handle the issue on a priority basis.