PM wants ‘constitutional terrorists’ arrested

PRIME Minister James Marape wants police to go to Southern Highlands and arrest those involved in the burning of ballot boxes in Mendi yesterday.
He described those involved as “constitutional terrorists” who should be hunted down and face the “full force of the law”.
“I condemn the burning of ballot boxes at the Mendi police station early this (yesterday) morning,” Marape said.
“Those responsible are not (just) arsonists but also constitutional terrorists who entered a police station and burned ballot boxes containing the votes of the people.
“It is State property and such an act is (tantamount to) terrorism.
“(Such) people cannot continue to take the law into their own hands forever.”
Marape said a Government priority in the next five years was to address the law and order situation.
“(We) will strengthen our police and justice system,” he said.
“A secure and safe PNG in towns and villages will ensure the growth of our economy, growth of health and education infrastructure.”
The priority “hotspot” targets are Southern Highlands, Hela and Enga.
Ialibu-Pangia MP Peter O’Neill said it was with great sadness “that I witness the violence and mayhem in my provincial capital of Mendi”.
He claimed that counting had been “heavily compromised” in Mendi, with “heavy Government interference designed to favour candidate William Powi and disadvantage others”.
“This election has been a government-made shambles everywhere and democracy has been hijacked to make way for an autocratic style of leadership,” he said.
“In Mendi, we are seeing the people rise and take matters into their own hands as neither the police nor the defence force have protected their democratic rights.
“I do not condone the violence in Mendi but I can certainly understand why it is happening.
“People are fed up with the way democracy has been cast aside by a power hungry few, (who are) hell-bent on seeking control at the expense of the people.”