The Papua New Guinea Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae, acting on the advice of the National Executive Council, has declared a National Emergency in the electorates of Porgera-Paiela, Kompiam-Ambum and Wapenamanda in Enga Province.
Minister for Police, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr confirmed the declaration that has been sanctioned in order to stop unprecedented violence and tribal right in the province.
“The situation between the people involved, that is generational conflict in nature, has deteriorated again and the long arm of the law must again intervene to prevent bloodshed,” Tsiamalili said.
“The violence has spread to the Porgera mine area with rival groups of illegal settlers fighting in recent weeks.”
“In the Porgera Valley these illegal settlers have no right to be there in the first place and are being moved by police.
“They are threatening businesses and local people, and interrupting mine activities, in the area and security forces are intervening.
“However, normal laws for normal times are not enough to stop thugs and other violent criminals moving in large groups,” the minister said.
Tsiamalili added that the Declaration of Emergency by Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae enables security forces with powers and legal rights to put down violence, move combatants and keep the critical infrastructure operating.
He said Emergency Measures being implemented include regular road blocks to detect the unlawful movements of people and contraband, including full enforcement on the use of force against anyone carrying illegal firearms and other weapons.
“Further measures include improved capacity at the Mukurumanda Correctional Services facility, and the Pogera police station and courts,” he added.
“The imposition of a liquor ban is highly likely and is a further effective means of controlling violence and other unruly behaviour,” the minister stated.
Tsiamalili said Porgera mine is an essential operation for the country for the provision of jobs and for national and provincial revenue and must not be undermined.
“The illegal squatters are undermining the operation of the mine and other critical infrastructure, while also placing their people, many being children, at risk when they rush into the mine area after a blast to try and steal rocks that might contain gold.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Tondop, has been appointed as the Controller for the National Emergency for a period of two months, and will administer measures that are intended return law and order in Enga.
“Acting ACP Tondop knows this area and its people.
“He knows what is required of him as Controller and security personnel serving under him. Government is clear that there is to be zero-tolerance approach to meeting criminals head-on.
“Tondop has the full support of the Commissioner, and of myself and Marape-Rosso Government in implementing the task before him.
“We will not let these criminals terrorise and interfere with the renewal of our economy, the ongoing development of Enga Province, or the safety of the lawful residents of these electorates.