PNG ‘on brink of anarchy’: Law Society
31 October 2024
HUBERT NAMANI
| President, PNG Law Society
PORT MORESBY - The escalating lawlessness and violence in Enga Province, as well as other hotspots across the country, has reached an unprecedented and dangerous level.
It is now critical that the government exercises its constitutional authority under Section 204 of the Constitution to issue a call-out of the PNG Defence Force in aid of the civil power.
Immediate and decisive action is necessary to restore order, protect lives and safeguard our communities.
Recent senseless killings in Enga and the surge of violence in once-peaceful regions like East New Britain are shocking us to the core.
The graphic images flooding social media reveal a brutal reality that is becoming alarmingly common.
These acts of violence and lawlessness highlight the urgent need for intervention before our country plunges deeper into chaos.
This call for action is so critical because we are standing on the brink of anarchy. The breakdown of law and order threatens to destabilise the entire country if not addressed swiftly.
The state must use its full force to curb this disturbing rise in crime, and the Defence Force must be mobilised to support the Police Force in restoring peace.
With the prevalence of illegal firearms and organised criminal activities, military support is crucial to assist the police in controlling this wave of violence.
But beyond enforcement, I must also stress the responsibility of every citizen is to abide by the rule of law. No one is above the law, and every individual must be held accountable for their actions.
We further call on the government to prioritise the removal of illegal firearms, which continue to fuel this violence.
It is essential that we take action to stop the destruction of lives and communities before it is too late.
The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated. If we do not act now, we risk losing control of our streets, our communities, and ultimately, our nation.
I urge our leaders to act with urgency to protect the people, restore order and uphold the rule of law before it is too late.
With thanks to Paul Oates
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