Violence affects businesses

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PRIME Minister James Marape considers the rising law and order issues as the most pressing concern for businesses and the people that must be the Government’s focus before the 2022 general election.
“Criminal activities and the law and order situation are a direct result of the lack of institutional capacity and capability, absence of political leadership at all levels of governments and ineffective governance,” he said. A meeting of the National Security Council was held this week to discuss the issue.
Marape said the murder at Koki in the National Capital District and subsequent ethnic tribal revenge, the drunken brawl and drug consumption among youths leading to violence in East New Britain, armed criminal gang activities in Alotau, and tribal killings in Porgera, Enga, Hela and Eastern Highland, were security challenges affecting lives, livelihoods and business activities.
“Corporate and business houses are concerned that law and order problems are affecting businesses.
“The law enforcement agencies are absolutely committed to address public safety issues and security of governments’ private sector assets,” Marape said.
He said the council had directed the disciplined forces and intelligence community to address the increase in criminal activities in the country.
“Government approaches to address the increase in law and order issues are through existing community policing mechanisms, community mediation, deployment of mobile squads, and defence force call-out deployment,” he said.