STOP THE VIOLENCE!

As the United Party for National Development (UPND) we are deeply troubled with regards to the seemingly escalating levels of political violence that have ravaged our traditionally peaceful democracy.

It is absolutely dismaying to be educated to the fact that countless UPND members and sympathisers continue to be victims of grievous bodily harm and murder at the hands of the ruling Patriotic Front government.

We implore the Zambia Police service to be impartial and execute their duties with the utmost level of professionalism as they are sworn to protect and serve all citizens and non citizens living, visiting or transiting within our borders without any form of discrimination.

In this regard, it is incontestably regrettable that law enforcement officers continue to play a negative and defiant role in the political carnage with discernable disregard for the rule of law.

In the interest of justice and restoration of confidence in our legal system we demand that perpetrators of the recent spate of unwarranted onslaughts on innocent citizen's be arrested.

Our appeal to the youth, not to be used as tools for political violence can not be over emphasized. It is imperative that the younger generation play a leading role in blatantly denouncing or participating in violence of any form.

President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, our adamant appeal continues as we are championing a cause that is beneficial to the general Zambian populace and in the interest of national peace and security.

As the UPND, our stance is palpably inclined towards peace and tranquillity. We call for calm and resolve amongst all citizens and appeal for issue based campaigns in preference to those of a combative nature!

MUSOMALI JONATHAN NJOBVU

VICE-PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON