Enga killings condemned; COP questioned

Opposition leader Douglas Tomuriesa has condemned the continued lawlessness in Enga Province, after a busload of people were attacked and killed yesterday.

Mr Tomuriesa described the incident as sickening and devastating.

He expressed his continued frustration that lawlessness continues to prevail despite government interventions.

Mr Tomuriesa further added that killing has now become a norm in Enga over the years.

“How many times are we going to see horrific videos and images of dead bodies after violence erupts in the province?

“Payback killings, tribal disputes, and sporadic attacks have unfortunately become the norm in Enga, and the silence by Prime Minister James Marape and the leaders in Government is deafening,"Tomuriesa said.

The Opposition leader questioned the ruling Government and Police Commissioner David Manning.

He urged Commissioner Manning to seriously reflect on his interventions in Enga and ask himself if it’s working.

Tomuriesa also spoke on Manning's announcement of the 3 million kina armoured vehicles and the Kumul 23 concept that would be sent to Enga to assist in operations.

“I also urge Police Commissioner David Manning to seriously reflect on his interventions in the province over the past year and ask himself if it’s working.

“Back in August last year, COP Manning announced that the three K3 million armored vehicles purchased for the 2022 elections would be sent to Enga to assist in operations.

“Last I heard was that all three vehicles are collecting dust grounded in Mt Hagen and have not been operational since it was purchased. And what has come of the Kumul23 force that was supposed to take control of the violence in the province? Lest we forget,” Tomuriesa added.

The Opposition leader claims the RPNGC should have no excuses with funding as the Government has given record funding in two previous budgets.

Mr Tomuriesa called out the Prime Minister for his lack of seriousness and attention to solving conflicts in Enga Province.

He says serious and lasting solutions must be implemented to address the law and order situation in Enga.