Police, defence on high alert, says Manning

By KELVIN JOE
POLICE Commissioner David Manning says the police and army have been on high alert to restore normalcy in Mendi, Southern Highlands, following the recent election-related violence in the town.
He said the violence erupted after supporters of some candidates contesting the provincial seat had outnumbered and overpowered security personnel and entered Mendi police station and took out ballot papers. “I was briefed that people entered the police station and removed ballot boxes and papers, specifically for the provincial seat, by force which resulted in violence and destruction of property between supporters,” he said.
Manning said police were unable to respond and save the ballot papers due to large number of supporters armed with guns and the potential for escalation to a larger conflict with significant casualties.
“Unfortunately we have lost quiet a good number of ballot boxes and papers that time,” he said.
“Since then, fighting continued until I was briefed by the provincial police commander recently that the situation had started to calm down.
“I have directed both police and defence force on Thursday to stay focused and continue to ensure that state properties in the township of Mendi are protected.
“Our priority now is to continue protecting state assets and other public and private properties.”
He said for the meantime police would wait for advice from the Electoral Commission on the outcome and future of counting for the provincial seat.
Meanwhile, Manning said his office would make a submission to the National Executive Council through the Police Minister before the first cabinet sitting to increase police presence in the western end of the Highlands.