The return of the white van

WITH the recent entry to this once-presumed-dead white van saga, those who were once part of the regime that became synonymous with its workings have now come out in fierce opposition of its revival, dangling various conspiracies and allegations in a comic twist of irony.

Three armed military personnel in civilian clothing were arrested earlier this week by the Mirihana Police while travelling in a white-coloured van bearing false number plates. Initial Police investigations revealed that the three suspects were attached to the security detail of a Major General in the Sri Lanka Army. The weapon they were carrying was one that was issued for official use, according to the Police.

The Military Police have also commenced investigations into the incident and have stated that action would be taken against the personnel if they were found guilty of breaking any laws, regardless of their rank.

Although nothing concrete has been revealed about the intentions of the military trio, the UPFA and the Mahinda-faction have been quick to identify this opportunity for conspiracy theories and fear mongering.

Former Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris hinted that the white van been found in Mirihana may be connected to the fact that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother, the former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, resided in the area. He immediately called on the IGP to secure the safety of both Rajapaksa brothers.

Outspoken UPFA Colombo District candidate and NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa was somewhat more direct with his allegations, stating that the petitions being filed to reduce the former President’s security detail were aimed at making him an easier target for these groups, branding the incident the accidental uncovering of an assassination plot.

Even more brazen were Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s allegations that the security of the country had been given a low priority by the current leaders. He went as far as to state that the white van in question had been previously used by the LTTE organisation.

As ridiculous as some may say the allegations regarding this incident have been in the past few days, the way in which the ensuing circus has unfolded is indicative of what the previous regime thrived on for a decade.

The white van hysteria was a phenomenon that was birthed during the previous regime’s time in power. The rampant abductions and disappearances during that time largely went unpunished; concern turned into panic and the “white van” became a symbol of fear.

It is important that we keep in mind the work done by the Police in this situation. It is beneficial to some parties to write their efforts off as chance or luck but foiling the “white van agenda” was not particularly a trademark of the previous regime. Keeping in mind the allegations made against the Government’s security priorities and given that three Army personnel were arrested in this incident, it is hard to find a leg for those accusations to stand on.

Although the fears of abduction have subsided amongst the public, the most recent incident has once again highlighted the prospect of a sequel to bygone hysteria. Politicians, as they are meant to, will always attempt to gain mileage from any situation regardless of its effects on the psyche of the masses. During a time in which creating instability is more useful to win an election than to speak of concrete plans for the future, there must be a call for sanity and the public must be wary of those who feed on their fear.