Declaring State of Emergency ‘not fair for SHP’

By REBECCA KUKU
PAPUA New Guinea’s Defence Force (PNGDF) Commander Gilbert Toropo says that declaring a State of Emergency (SoE) in Southern Highlands to try and stop the ongoing tribal warfare in Kagua-Erave would be unfair to Southern Highlands.
“The SoE can only be declared if it affected the whole Southern Highlands. When SoE is declared, the provincial government will have to be suspended and everything will be under the control of armed security forces,” he said.
“So there are downsides to having a SoE declared. And it would be unfair to the whole province as it is only affecting an area in Kagua-Erave.”
“The best way forward now is for the provincial Peace and Good Order Committee to work in partnership with local leaders to address the issue or start peace talks.”
Toropo was responding to calls made by MP Wesley Raminai for a SoE to be declared to stop the bloody tribal war that had already claimed 33 lives, including three women, a six-year old and a baby.
He said PNGDF soldiers were still on the ground helping the police to enforce public law and order, and restore peace and normalcy.
“The soldiers will continue to do so,” he added.
In another report, Toropo said the soldiers in Hela, Southern Highlands and Enga will be pulling out at the end of this month.
“We cannot stay on as, then, it would be illegal. We have stabilised security in the three provinces. If the situation worsens after we leave, then another Call Out can be made,” he added.