Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has announced the extension of military and police presence in Hela, Southern Highlands and Enga for another 12 months.
This special operation begins on January 1, 2023.
The Prime Minister made the announcement in Koroba, Hela, on Friday (December 16, 2022) when launching the K89 million Halimbu-Koroba Road.
PM Marape also announced that K30 million had been allocated in the 2023 Budget for establishment of a 1000-strong military barracks in Hela.
“We have extended the callout of police and army to work in Hela, Southern Highlands and Enga for one more year under special operation,” PM Marape told thousands of people in Koroba.
“This special operation will be different, in that we have seen the weaknesses of the last two to three years, and we will be giving more powers to police and army to carry out their work.
“You have nothing to fear if you abide by the law, if you disobey the law, then you will face the consequences.
“This new special operation gives more power to police and army to protect lives and public property.
“I do not want to see one more police officer or soldier losing their lives to criminal elements.
“If you are enemy of police or army, then you are an enemy of the State and society.
“If you do not block roads, and are peaceful, then you have nothing to fear.”
PM Marape said police and soldiers would report to the respective Provincial Police Commanders of Hela, Southern Highlands and Enga.
“Police and soldiers will report to only one commander to make the chain of command easier,” he said.
“I announce to the people of Hela, Southern Highlands and Enga that this special operation will start on January 1, 2023.”
PM Marape said the Government wanted police and soldiers to work without fear of being attacked by criminal elements.
“The special operation will also cover important resource project areas like Porgera, Hides and Kutubu as well as all areas of Hela, Southern Highlands and Enga,” he said.
“Those who carry guns – homemade or factory made – will be jailed for life under laws already passed by Parliament.”
PM Marape also announced K30 million for a military barracks in Hela with an oversight of the gas fields, Porgera mine in Enga and Ok Tedi mine in Western, the border with Indonesia, as well as Southern Highlands and Enga.
“This will become a full military barracks of 1000 officers like Taurama Barracks, Murray Barracks and Moem Barracks with outposts in Telefomin, Nipa, Kutubu, Kikori and other areas in this part of the country,” he said.
