Dear Editor,
With impunity, a gang of demented individuals went on a murderous rampage, slaughtering eleven innocent individuals; how can the nation comprehend the murder of children while they sleep? The actions of these individuals and the reported motivations share an eerie resemblance to inter-tribal conflicts, much like the senseless killing that is occurring in places like Kenya today; murderous mobs slaughtering innocent people, creating mayhem and destruction in their path.
The overriding dilemma is this lack of trust and faith in the security establishment and in the Government’s ability to protect its citizens.
How can the nation stem the decline in character and moral rectitude of its security personnel? That the jobs of the police and the armed forces are thankless, there is little doubt. Coupled with the dismal remuneration, it leaves a lot to be desired. However, the fact that a conscious choice was made to serve in these establishments, with the full knowledge of their deficiencies, behoves its officers to act in the best interest of the state and that of its citizens.
They must set the standard of acceptable behaviour in performing their noble duty. The security forces and the governing authorities failed those children who died in Lusignan and those who were orphaned.
The law enforcement agencies and the government must be held accountable for their failures; business cannot continue as usual. Communi-ties and individuals that provide safe haven for these criminals must also be held accountable; the people should demand no less.
Yours faithfully,
Kowlasar Misir
