By AUGUSTINE KINNA
The issue of weapons disposal will be the main priority target area that the police service will be working towards in their 2008 budget plan, Autonomous Bougainville Government police minister Ezekiel Massatt at a press conference said yesterday.
Mr Massatt said the issue of firearms was still one of the largest problems throughout the communities in Bougainville.
“Reports have been forthcoming into my office that many weapons are still floating around in the villages, “ he said.
The Bougainville executive council has already been advised on his weapons disposal priority plans and is looking forward to support the move.
Mr Massatt said as the Police minister he was very concerned over the issue and appealed to the people of Bougainville for their support in combating the illegality of firearms.
“It’s about time we, the people of Bougainville, leave our past behind, reconcile and move on with our normal life.
There is no need for us to hold firearms in our hands because there is no enemy to fight against,” Mr Massatt said.
He added that for Bougainville to move forward, must get rid of the illegal guns that are hiding in our homes”.
He said as Christmas period was nearing, the Bougainville police would be carrying out a three-week operational awareness programme to villages in the region.
Mr Massatt said the awareness would be based on issues affecting the community and law and order.
“The awareness programme is to highlight what the Police would be accepting from the public and what would happen to law breaker if they do not cooperate,” Mr Massatt said.
He appealed to the public to cooperate together with the police in order to provide a peaceful Christmas period in the region.