Prime Minister James Marape has announced that a bill will be presented in Parliament in November to enhance law enforcement powers, following the recent surge in tribal-related violence in Enga Province.
PM Marape stressed this in a media statement today.
Marape also announced that the Cabinet has approved a domestic terrorism bill, to be presented in November.
The bill grants extensive powers to law enforcement for searches, rapid responses, and the use of drones and technology to curb lawlessness and prosecute offenders.
Prime Minister Marape mentioned that, in response to recent violence in Enga, he has met with the Police Commissioner, the PNGDF Commander, and concerned ministers, and has directed the extension of the State of Emergency along the Highlands Highway, covering Laiagam, Kompiam, Porgera, and Wabag districts.
PM Marape emphasized the extension of the State of Emergency and directed the Police and Defense Force to make arrests instead of mediating tribal conflicts.
Acknowledging reports describing this incident as a revenge killing, he condemned the recent killings in the Highlands Highway area, urging people to avoid using guns for revenge and emphasizing that tribal revenge has no place in modern society.
Marape further stated that the Government is considering outlawing compensation and increasing penalties, including life imprisonment, for those who initiate tribal conflicts.
He emphasized the need to hold those responsible for tribal fights accountable, as these conflicts cause significant socio-economic problems for communities.
Additionally, PM Marape indicated that Parliament might be called upon to pass the State of Emergency (SOE) for the highlands provinces experiencing higher incidents of lawlessness.
He added that instructions have been given to Treasury to resource the enforcing agencies to better maintain law and order in the provinces and the National Capital District (NCD).