There is considerable concern in the nationalist community at the lack of action by the security forces to deal with loyalist violence in North Belfast, Sinn Fein Assembly member Mr Gerry Kelly says.
The party's policing spokesman, criticised police and army tactics against republicans over the Castlereagh police station break-in.
Emerging from talks with the Northern Ireland Office Security Minister, Ms Jane Kennedy, the North Belfast MLA said: "There has been an onslaught from the Ulster Defence Association with over 30 bomb and gun attacks in one night and an escalating campaign of violence in the Whitewell area of the city.
"Nationalists are contrasting the failure to arrest those responsible with the very heavy-handed tactics against republicans over the Castlereagh break-in.
"We have seen doors being kicked in nationalist and republican homes and people being interrogated and yet there doesn't seem to be the same vigour in pursuing loyalists over their campaign of violence.
"People are entitled to ask why."
Mr Kelly reiterated the view of Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams that there is no evidence of republican involvement in the Castlereagh break-in.
He says both nationalists and republicans believe the recent arrests are a smokescreen to deflect the finger of suspicion away from the security services.
The North Belfast MLA raised recent complaints by nationalists living in the New Lodge area of North Belfast against the police over their handling of recent street disturbances involving loyalists, including alleged beatings captured on video.