PNG to declare state of emergency over Highlands unrest
Port Moresby: Papua New Guinea is to declare a state of emergency in Southern Highlands province after supporters of losing candidates in the regional election went on a rampage in Mendi. During Thursday’s unrest a commercial plane was destroyed, and the local courthouse and the residence of the provincial governor William Powi were burnt.
Local authorities say no one was injured when a Air Niugini Dash-8 aircraft was set on fire and destroyed on the airstrip at Mendi airport. The situation in the town is tense, the provincial capital having gone into lockdown overnight.
According to Police, it was yesterday’s national court ruling upholding Mr Powi’s 2017 election which sparked the rampage.
The election result had been challenged by losing candidates Joseph Kobol and Bernard Peter Kaku.
The Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said a State of Emergency would be declared, with additional security forces to be deployed to prevent further unrest.
He said an emergency meeting of the National Security Council would take place this morning to approve emergency arrangements under appropriate laws.
“The actions we have seen today in Mendi are an absolute disgrace,” Mr O’Neill said, adding that those involved would be detained by Police and prosecuted.
“There is no place in politics for this type of behaviour, and leaders involved with this activity will be held to account.