Army chief denies students, parents being intimidated

He said the officials wanted to come to an understanding with the parents and their children, since the prime minister wants the country to be peaceful and believes that they should not spark off democracy movements.

“We have no right to get angry. The government has been trying to solve problems. If the students insist on continuing their movement, we will insist on making hem understand that they need to cooperate with us otherwise the country will be ruined,” he said, adding that the problems would only intensify if the movement is allowed to continue. 

He said he understood the call from lecturers and respectable figures to not punish the students because they are young. “But the academics do not look at the problem from all angles. They only look at one side. Please consider the security issues from a wider perspective or the country will face problems,” he said. 

He also urged the teachers to not throw support behind the New Democracy Movement as they were headed in the wrong direction. “The government wants nothing more than to establish a sound foundation and ensure security for the country,’’ he said.