Police and PNGDF personnel in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province, will investigate and arrest those involved in the recent violence in the province.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill made this undertaking when responding to Opposition Leader Patrick Pruaitch and Shadow Minister for Attorney General, Kerenga Kua’s calls.
Opposition Leader Patrick Pruaitch released a statement recently calling on PM O’Neill to honour his commitment in Mendi to investigate concerns on the election for the Southern Highlands Regional seat.
He said the Prime Minister has given a public assurance that concerns relating to the manner the Electoral Commissioner had conducted the SHP elections would be ‘properly followed up’ and ‘are properly heard’.
Pruaitch added that he hoped this was not another instance where promises made by the Prime Minister are conveniently forgotten.
Shadow Minister for Attorney General on Wednesday also released a statement in support of Pruaitch’s call.
However, PM O’Neill, when contacted by this newsroom, said it is the job of the police and PNGDF personnel who are on the ground to investigate and arrest those involved in the riot.
He called on the Opposition not to politicise the issue and allow the rule of law to take its full course.
PM O’Neill further reiterated that the Opposition knew very well that he was not given any power by law to go around, arresting people.