HUMAN rights lobby group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) and the Opposition Peoples National Party (PNP) have expressed sadness at the deaths of two policemen who were killed by gunmen this morning.

The lawmen a police sergeant and a constable were killed and six of their colleagues injured last night when they were attacked while they attempted to protect citizens in Mountain View.

The lawlessness displayed in some areas and by some persons since the announcement that the extradition request for Christopher Dudus Coke would be signed is utterly deplorable and cannot be tolerated in a free and democratic society, the JFJ said. It has resulted in severe breaches of the rights of other citizens and has been an assault on the rule of law. These lawless activities have culminated in the brazen assault on police and police stations in sections of the Corporate Area and severe disruption of the lives of many thousands of persons.

And Opposition Spokesman on National Security Peter Bunting has strongly condemned the attacks, which also left one police station razed and others firebombed.

The police have exercised restraint and, in some cases, have been heroic in their response to this concerted assault on the state and its citizens. Now is the time for all people of goodwill to support the security forces in their lawful response to the criminal organisations, Bunting said in a news release.

Meanwhile, the JFJ said the limited State of Emergency declared appears to have been necessary to support the restoration of order but must be supported by the required regulations spelling out the limits of the emergency powers and the areas of its application.

It must also be removed as soon as the situation is under control, the JFJ said.

The group also commended the professionalism and restraint displayed thus far by the police.

The JFJ said it hopes the police can bring the situation under control in short order and with minimal further loss of life and injury.