Acting Police Commissioner Jim Andrews said appropriate and immediate actions will be taken upon those who had participated in the destruction and burning of the buildings and aero plane in the Southern Highland Province.
In a Conference at the Police Headquarters this morning, Mr Andrews said two mobile squads totaling almost 70 personnel are currently in Southern Highlands Province while another two mobile squads are on standby to be sent should the need arise. The police operation will be conducted in four phases.
Mr Andrews also made internal transfer directives so that the Southern Highlands issue can be effectively addressed.
He appointed Assistant Commissioner Operations David Manning to take charge of all Police Operations in Southern Highlands Province and will be assisted by Assistant Commissioner Sylvester Kalaut, Acting Assistant Commissioner Crimes Hodges Ette, together with a team of detectives and Acting Director Special Services Division, Superintendent Julius Tasion.
Mr Andrews said what occurred in Mendi were unthinkable acts of violence that needs to be addressed immediately.
These criminal behaviors are clear evidence that there are underlying issues which must be addressed by everyone. He appealed to the people of Southern Highlands to work with the police and restore peace and normalcy in the province.