Prime Minister James Marape has issued a strong and unambiguous message to all Papua New Guineans, urging them to uphold the rule of law. He emphasized that no justification, no matter the circumstances, can excuse criminal behaviour. He has condemned recent incidents of violence, destruction, and illegal roadblocks, stressing that these actions not only endanger lives but also undermine the country’s economic and social stability. “There is no justification for breaking one law in an attempt to seek justice for another crime." "Lawlessness does not solve problems—it only deepens them." He highlighted a recent case in Tari, where police, with the support of the local community, successfully arrested a suspect involved in the killing of a police officer. “The perpetrator is now behind bars, and the legal process is underway." "This is the correct course of action—justice through the law, not through retaliatory violence,” he said. The Prime Minister further condemned those who use criminal behaviour as a means of drawing attention to grievances. "No excuse, no justification can validate committing another crime to protest an existing one." "Resorting to violence, destruction, and intimidation does not solve problems—it creates more victims.” Prime Minister Marape took particular aim at the destruction and disorder along the Highlands Highway, warning that such actions jeopardise the very livelihoods of the people involved. “My government has invested over K2 billion into upgrading the Highlands Highway." "This road is a national asset, crucial for economic activities such as agriculture, small businesses, trade, and tourism." "Blocking roads, setting vehicles alight, and destroying property is reckless and self-defeating,” he said. He noted that innocent citizens, including small business owners, have suffered due to these acts of lawlessness. “I sympathise with the mother from Jiwaka who lost her vehicle due to roadblocks." "She is part of the SME sector, trying to sustain her family, yet criminals destroyed her means of earning a living." "This government will not ignore genuine grievances such as hers, but those who cause such destruction will face the full force of the law.” The Prime Minister also acknowledged that major trucking companies like Mapai and Trans Wonderland Ltd have been affected, reinforcing the economic damage caused by these disruptions. "Do not expect the government to provide free education, healthcare, and infrastructure if you destroy the very economy that funds these services,” he warned. Prime Minister Marape called upon local leaders to take a stand against lawlessness, urging councillors, provincial governors, and community elders to actively maintain peace in their respective areas. “For the first time, my government has placed councillors on the payroll. If you want government support, you must first ensure that your communities are law-abiding." "Your role is not to stand idly by while young people engage in reckless behaviour—you must be the voice of authority in your communities,” he stated. He stressed that members of parliament, governors, and local leaders must work together to prevent violence from escalating. "Governors must ensure that peace and mediation teams in their provinces are functioning." "If conflicts arise between different provinces, then peace mediation teams must be deployed immediately to resolve disputes before they spiral out of control.” Recognising Papua New Guinea’s deep cultural traditions, the Prime Minister called for the restoration of community-based mediation and customary dispute resolution mechanisms. “In our culture, compensation and mediation play a critical role in resolving disputes." "But these processes must be handled within the bounds of the law, led by village councillors, elders, and local authorities—not by mobs taking the law into their own hands." He called on local communities to work with police rather than against them. “If a crime has been committed, report it to the police and allow the justice system to function." "Do not take matters into your own hands." "If the police in your area are slow to act, escalate the issue to their superiors." "Justice will be served, but it must be done legally.” Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement, stating that police operations will intensify across the country to crack down on criminals and bring offenders to justice. “I have issued a direct instruction to the Police Commissioner to step up enforcement." "While resources may sometimes be stretched, I want to assure the people of Papua New Guinea that no crime is ignored." "Every case is documented, every offender is pursued, and justice will be done,” he assured. He acknowledged that policing alone is not enough and called for a coordinated effort between law enforcement and community leaders. "Police will arrest offenders, but it is the responsibility of governors, councillors, and local leaders to ensure that peace is maintained within their communities.” As Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th year of independence, the Prime Minister urged citizens to act responsibly and reject violence. “We are not a young nation anymore." "We are turning 50, and we must act like a mature country." "Lawlessness should not define our future." "I call on every citizen—young and old—to uphold the law, respect the rights of others, and work together to build a peaceful and prosperous Papua New Guinea.” He concluded with a final appeal to all communities, especially those along the Highlands Highway: “Do not destroy your own future." "Your road is a lifeline—it brings economic opportunity, education, healthcare, and development." "Blocking it, damaging it, or intimidating those who use it will only harm your own people." "Let us work together to maintain peace and order for the benefit of our nation.”