UPND condemns unruly cadres

…for engaging in violence, saying they should at all times resist any provocation

THE ruling UPND has condemned the violence that was perpetrated by its cadres in Chipata, during the Youth Day celebration on Tuesday.

Presidential campaign team member, Beene Hachoombwa said the party youths should at all times resist the provocation by the PF cadres because violence cannot be accepted in the Zambia’s political space.

Mr Hachoombwa said there is need for the youths from all political parties to co-exist for the betterment of the country.

In an interview, he said political parties must differ in ideologies and not be involved in violence.

He however said the UPND cadres engaged in a violent act as they were provoked by the PF cadres.

Mr Hachoombwa said it is believed that the PF cadres allegedly used insulting language against President Hakainde Hichilema which sparked the violence.

Mr Hachoombwa said the must not take advantage of

PF the conducive environment created by the UPND to engage in bad acts because the UPND will not tolerate such behaviour.

He said the PF must know that while Mr Hichilema is a Republican President is also a party President, therefore, his followers cannot allow anyone to disrespect him.

Mr Hachoombwa said the UPND has tolerated the PF cadres for long now therefore if they continue with the behaviour the party cadres will not hesitate to retaliate.

“We really condemn what happened in Chipata because this is not the politics we want. But our colleagues should not take advantage of our tolerance and think we are weak.

Let me say it here that any person who insult the President the law will follow them, but before the law follows them the President has own supporters and supporters who will conduct a citizen arrest,” he said.

Mr Hachoombwa hailed the police for ensuring that the situation was stopped for peace to prevail.