By JOHN KOMBE
POLITICAL cadres must be demilitarized in order to end political violence ahead of the 2021 general elections, says Green party president, Peter Sinkamba.
Mr Sinkamba complained that the growing trend of political violence was worrying and must be stopped with action and not rhetoric.
He said the militarizing of political parties was a source of great concern and insisted that the trend must be brought to a halt.
Mr Sinkamba observed that the wearing of military uniforms by some political cadres was creating militia that was difficult to deal with by police.
He said in an interview that the police were overwhelmed by the well-organized militia who perpetrated violence with impunity.
The opposition leader wondered how cadres could have the audacity to insult and intimidate the police.
“How can we have a situation where even the Inspector General of police is insulted and the political leaders are mute and let the culprits walk scotch free?” Mr Sinkamba asked.
Mr Sinkamba said that his party was on record of condemning the militia phenomenon, but this had fallen on deaf ears.
He advised political party leaders to not only condemn political violence, but back it with appropriate action.
And Patriotic Front (PF) member of the central committee subcommittee on media, Jevan Kamanga, advised political leaders not to protect perpetrators of political violence.
Mr Kamanga said that the PF had on many occasions disciplined its members who had been involved in political violence.
He however observed that some political parties operating the ‘water melon’ tactic had sometimes used other political parties’ regalia to commit offences so as to paint opponents black.
DEMILITARISE POLITICAL CADRES – SINKAMBA
