With the whole province in Lockdown for 3 months, security forces in Enga Province are now commencing operations to clamp down on violence that has caused disharmony and displaced families in affected areas.
Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent George Kakas told PNG HAUSBUNG that with the lockdown in place, police will be increasing their presence in affected areas to monitor movement of the combatants and to do their best to minimize violence.
“There is a lot of Law-and-order issues in the province at the moment.”
“We want to minimize or contain people’s movement so we can identify those that are actively fighting.”
He added that now it is a bit difficult to spread out throughout the province due to certain constraints, but police will be actively monitoring and observing people’s movements to maintain public safety. They have now enforced a curfew to all parts of the province.
From 9pm to 6am, the public have been advised to stay indoors while motorized patrols will be conducted during the night.
Kakas has also advised that they will be setting up roadblocks at major roads in the affected areas.
The PPC stated that he has enough manpower to conduct the operations, with support coming from the provincial government.
Superintendent Kakas further stated that there has been an upsurge in crime in various parts of the province but is certain that they are able to contain the situation.
He also condemned those responsible for circulating graphic images and videos of people being murdered on social media in the province and stated that they are aware of those responsible for this and will be working to apprehend those responsible.