Soldiers commended in Hela

THE people of Hela, seeing significant change, are calling on the government to extend the period of engagement of soldiers in the disaster relief callout operations.
Since the soldiers’ engagement, law and order have been contained, particularly tribal fighting that have seen many lives lost and properties worth thousands damaged.
Hela deputy governor Thomas Potape speaking by phone from Komo, said that the soldiers engaged in the callout operations were doing a marvellous job in assisting police in containing law and order, particularly tribal fighting that has been a norm all over Hela.
Potape who is also the president of the Komo local-level government (LLG) council, in the Komo-Margarima district said soldiers based in Komo station, Hides PDL4, Angore, and Yuni are doing a great task in containing law and order and maintaining peace.
He said tribal fighting had decreased, the uncontrolled use of weapons like bush knives and guns had stopped and people were starting to move freely without fear of being attacked.
Potape said these achievements needed to be reinforced by extending the period of engagement of the security forces who were doing great work within the PNG LNG project impact areas and the province.
“On behalf of the people, I take this time to thank and acknowledge the good work of the soldiers in maintaining law and order in the PNG LNG impacted communities in the Komo LLG.
There is a big change in Komo and I now call upon the national government led by the prime minister and his NEC, Defence Minister Solan Mirisim, Defence secretary Trevor Mauri and Commander, Brigadier-General Gilbert Toropo to allow and extend the term of engagement of the PNGDF in the callout operation under the Disaster State of Emergency,” Potape said.
“Their good work has started to create a change in the once trouble-torn district, that has always threatened peace, hindered service delivery and posed a threat to the PNG LNG Project and its employees.”
Potape said whilst there is a lot more to be done the people now realise that the law is supreme and that they need to respect each other and not resort to violence to seek justice. He said while the security forces continue to maintain law and order, all leaders must work together in creating opportunities for the establishment of lasting peace.