Rise of crime in B’ville concerns MP Masiu

South Bougainville MP Timothy Masiu says he is alarmed by the attitudes of people in Bougainville with the approaching referendum.
Masiu said incidents of violence and anti-social activities throughout Bougainville were sending the wrong signal to PNG and the international community.
He said people needed to change and embrace the referendum.
In a recent incident, armed men took his vehicle at gunpoint for the second time a week ago.
Masiu said the hold-up of his vehicle, and other crimes taking place across Bougainville, were issues of concern for everyone.
He said some of the incidents included:
lA recent killing in Buka that sparked confrontation between two ethnic groups;
ldestruction of a communication tower at Loloho outside Arawa;
lcarjacking in Buin;
lskirmishes in Konou area;
lthreats of violence in Siwai;
ltheft of important solar panels at Aropa Airport in Kieta; and,
lArmed hold-up at Maleai village on Shortland Island in the Solomon Islands.
“I want to question the people of Bougainville about the type of behaviour we have right now,” Masiu said.
“As a leader, I am worried that these crimes, including the border alterations, are spiralling.
“There are many other unreported cases around Bougainville.
“As Bougainvilleans, do we know the importance of the upcoming referendum?
“Do we know what it means to us?
“Do we know the consequences of our actions?”
“When I ponder over the issues, it makes me sick and worried that we may be telling the world that we are not ready for referendum.”