Hubert Namani, President of the PNG Law Society, has issued a statement and urgently called on the government to mobilize the Defence Force to assist in curbing escalating violence and lawlessness across the nation, with particular concern for Enga Province and East New Britain.
“The escalating lawlessness and violence in Enga Province, as well as other hotspots across the country, has reached an unprecedented and dangerous level,” Namani stated.
He urged the government to exercise its powers under Section 204 of the Constitution to initiate a Defence Force call-out, saying that “immediate and decisive action is necessary to restore order, protect lives, and safeguard our communities.”
Namani highlighted the disturbing surge in violent incidents, noting that graphic images of violence circulating on social media have revealed a “brutal reality” that threatens to destabilize the nation if left unchecked.
“Recent senseless killings in Enga and the surge of violence in once-peaceful regions like East New Britain are shocking us to the core,” he said.
He emphasized the need for rapid intervention to prevent the country from “plunging deeper into chaos.”
Pointing to a critical breakdown in law and order, Namani warned that “we are standing on the brink of anarchy,” and that the situation calls for the full force of the state to prevent further destabilization.
He called for military support to work alongside the Police Force to restore peace, saying that the involvement of the Defence Force is crucial in combating rising organized crime and the widespread availability of illegal firearms.
Alongside the call for military intervention, Namani appealed to all citizens to respect the rule of law.
“No one is above the law, and every individual must be held accountable for their actions.”
He further urged the government to prioritize the removal of illegal firearms, which he described as a primary driver of the violence sweeping through the nation.
He warned, “If we do not act now, we risk losing control of our streets, our communities, and ultimately, our nation.”
He called on leaders to take decisive steps to “protect the people, restore order, and uphold the rule of law before it is too late.”