Soldiers in SHP to restore peace

By REBECCA KUKU
MORE than 200 soldiers have moved into Southern Highlands’ Mendi where supporters of candidates in the provincial seat were locked in a four-day gunfight.
Millions of Kina worth of properties were destroyed last week.
Major Joshua Dorpar told The National that the soldiers were deployed to help restore peace and normalcy.
“Both sides have ceased fire and all businesses, public offices and schools were open again,” he said.
“The fight started at about 3.30am on Thursday with supporters of one of the candidates blocking off two sides of the road leading to the police station where the two containers of General Election 2022 ballot papers are stored.
“A platoon from the Alpha Company was on the ground waiting for new orders as the election returning officer had resigned and we were waiting for the Electoral Commissioner’s instruction when the fight broke out.
“Our teams tried to respond but encountered the two road blocks.
“There were vehicles set on fire that blocked the entrances to the police station.
“Our men were trying to clear the road block when supporters went in, took out the papers that had yet to be counted and burnt them.”
Dorpar said that additional manpower from Charlie Company was also sent to Mendi. “There have been no gunshots, starting this week,” he said.
“We have been doing foot patrols across the town, speaking to businessmen and government officers to assure them that that we are here to provide security and restore normalcy.
“Peace talks are being held and Mendi is slowly returning to normalcy.”
Meanwhile, the PNG Defence Force will also be sending in a medical team to provide support and assist medical officers at the Mendi General Hospital.
“Most of the hospital staff fled when fighting started, so we will help those who are still around until all return back to work,” Dorpar said.