Recent reports of law-and-order issues like the destruction of a bridge in Porgera Paiela in Enga province allegedly by supporters of a by election candidate and the attacks on the public in Port Moresby city last evening after the PNG Story celebrations, highlights the need for a serious approach to curbing the increase in crime in the country. Earlier during the week, the Opposition team held an important press conference at the Dream Inn in Port Moresby city and these very issues in law and order were raised among other things that they say are not being fully addressed by the National Government, especially when we are about to mark the 50th Independence Anniversary. Opposition Leader, Douglas Tomuriesa plainly stated that it is time the government put down its foot and fully address this serious matter that is hindering service delivery, development and impacting the communities who have had to deal with law-and-order issues. “We have seen killing after killing almost every day, you cannot deny it. Our women have been victimized; our older people have been bullied everywhere in this country,” said the Opposition Leader. “You can see that what’s happening in the country is beginning to become very sickening and it clearly tells us that our country can be regarded as a sick nation because the people don’t respect the rule of law, and when you don’t respect the rule of law, how can you respect other forms of development in this nation?" Mr. Tomuriesa said the country is going through a lot of struggles. “We are not only financially and economically struggling, we are not only struggling with the lack of infrastructure development in this country, but we’ve also gone to the point that social standards a beginning to be very low.” “I look at us turning 50 in the next couple of months and what is there for us to celebrate for this 50-years jubilee celebration?” he questioned. “Are our people going to go out there and celebrate 50th independence anniversary freely? Are our people going to go out there and celebrate knowing that law and order issues are a thing of the past or are our people going to go out there and find themselves defending themselves, trying to protect their families, and protect their communities at the same time celebrating 50 years of independence.” He stated as well that the idea of seeking assistant from PNG’s bilateral partners in providing police assistance to curbing the increase crime is viable, supporting the continuous call from Governor for Enga Sir Peter Ipatas for foreign assistance. Tomuriesa said if PNG cannot handle this law-and-order matter, it is time for the National Government to admit that it is unable to handle it and call for foreign assistance.