Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his key economic ministers are urged to travel to the LNG project site in Hela for talks with the aggrieved landowners.
Opposition Leader Don Polye made the call upon hearing claims that the government plans to use police and defence personnel to contain the situation.
“The Prime Minister, Finance Minister James Marape, Planning Minister Charles Abel and Treasury Minister Patrick Pruaitch must not use the disciplined forces to contain the situation.
“Their engagement will not solve any problem. It will exacerbate the situation,” says Polye.
He said the shutdown of the Hides gas plant by angry landowners over delay in LNG project related funds reflects the government’s incompetency.
“I call on the Prime Minister and his key economic ministers to deal with landowner issues honestly and justly.
“When I was in government, I handled their grievances with care and prudence.
“Hence, I avoided shutdowns,” says Polye.