Singirok urges action to remove illegal guns
25 September 2011
THE CHAIR of the Papua New Guinea Gun Control Committee, Major-General Jerry Singirok, says the government must act urgently on recommendations to remove illegal guns from the community.
The committee issued a report six years ago but to date leaders haven’t acted on it.
The former army chief’s comments come as the UN resident representative, David McLachlan-Karr, says gun control is a matter of urgency and acting police commissioner, Fred Yakasa, speaking after a spate of retaliatory killings in Enga, also expressed concern at the lack of action.
Major-General Singirok says the proliferation of guns poses a growing threat to residents and investors, and government must act as a matter of priority.
“The Government need to strengthen state institutions who’ve already constitutional or responsibility like the police force and customs,” he said.
He also said various government agencies should be empowered resourced so they can continue to apprehend, prosecute people caught using illegal guns.
Source: Radio New Zealand International, 22 September
http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=63284
I hope the new prime minister will listen to the advice of Major-General Jerry Singirok and set up a process for the removal of illegal guns in PNG before they lead to more tragedy.
It is obvious that many communities in PNG, where mines are being set up, are upset and disturbed, and these guns, in the wrong hands, could have tragic consequences.
Posted by: Barbara Short | 25 September 2011 at 12:41 PM