The security call-out operation that starts this week in Hela Province is vital to protect the Papua New Guinea LNG project.
Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari said the LNG project is a major contributor to the country’s economy.
The call-out was a result of reports of a dramatic decline in general law and order in the province in the past 12 months.
Continuous tribal fights involving high-powered weapons have threatened the LNG project, including the lives of people who work in different project sites in the province.
Lupari said if the project is affected, it will seriously damage the country in terms of employment, revenues and PNG’s reputation internationally.
“We should know that any shutdown and damages done to the LNG facilities will be endured by the country and not the operator and shareholders, according to the PNG LNG Project Agreement.
“It is in the country’s interest that law and order must be restored in Hela.
“People, including political leaders, must understand this and stop criticising the Government’s decision and the K11m funding for the security operation,” Lupari said.
He called for everyone to support the operation and put differences aside as innocent lives of people, heath, education and the country’s economy will be affected.