The entire country has been deeply disturbed by the wave of killings in the areas under Government control, and particularly in the Eastern Province. These concerns have nothing to do with the peace process, although they are bound to have repercussions. They are concerns of a more fundamental nature.

The most basic of human rights is an individual’s right to life.

The first and most fundamental duty of the State is to protect the lives and property of its citizens.

All its other duties are secondary. A State that fails to fulfil this primary function loses its legitimacy. The citizens then acquire a legitimate right to defend themselves by force of arms if necessary. This can only lead to civil war with two or more parties claiming the right to perform the functions of the failed State. The consequences for the country as a whole would be disastrous.

We are fast approaching that condition in certain parts of the country. We urge the government to take firm measures to arrest the situation immediately. At this juncture the government seems to have abdicated its powers and obligations.

The Inspector-General of Police and the Security Forces are mandated - to uphold the law and protect lives and property. If the Police are unable to do so, the Security Forces should be brought in to assist the Police under the current regulations.

A disturbing feature of the recent killings in the Eastern Province is that it smacks of ethnic cleansing. We know from what happened in the former Yugoslavia, what that can lead to.

Human Rights organisations such as Amnesty International and UTHR have condemned these killings.

The responsibility lies with both the Executive President and the Prime Minister who is the head of the Government. We appeal to them to rise above political expediency for the good of the Nation.

Time is running out.