Soldiers awaiting Govt’s decision

Letters

I AM one of the soldiers that were convicted for mutiny in 2002.
We are still waiting on the Government to decide whether we will be reinstated or not.
Our actions were for the good of the force and the country.
Thirty one soldiers were charged with mutiny on March 10, 2002.
Of that, 21 were convicted to serve 10-15 years respectively while 10 others were sent home.
We raised issues of the PNG Defence Force downsizing and retrenchment exercise together with other issues affecting the force.
Our actions were without rebellion but we have been charged, jailed and now we’re waiting on the Government to decide.
On March 9, 2002, we presented our petition to former prime minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare at Moem Barracks to present it to the government when late Sir Mekere Morauta was the prime minister.
The next day, we were arrested and charged with mutiny.
We have completed our jail terms and are waiting on the Government.
We ask Prime Minister James Marape and the Government to address our concern because past governments have failed to do so.

Simon Konga