The attack on the police in Ashulia yesterday, which killed one and injured four others, has just ratcheted up the problem in an already jittery law-and-order situation. That police on duty can be attacked from very close quarters in broad daylight was hitherto unheard of. The manner of the attack shows that this was a careful operation and the attackers had worked out the plan that ensured a safe getaway. This is the second fatal attack on the police in a fortnight. If the intention was to strike terror into the hearts and minds of the masses that no one, not even the police, is safe from attack, then it is succeeding.

Attacking law enforcers is equivalent to an attack on the State. The statement given by the minister of home affairs in the aftermath of the latest incident is not enough. The State should respond effectively and decisively. Failure to bring to book those responsible for the recent spate of deadly attacks on writers and now the police will merely strengthen the hands of whoever is responsible for masterminding these operations.

It's worth noting that the home minister has not brushed the attack aside as an isolated incident. But he must act decisively now. Delay in nabbing the perpetrators will erode confidence of the people in the State as the ultimate guardian of peace and safety for its citizens.

We repeat, the law enforcing agencies should be allowed to function free of political interference and their proficiency including their ability to protect themselves against surprise attacks should be enhanced through more rigorous training and appropriate equipment.