THE ethnic clashes in the capital city of Papua New Guinea, is reaching another height despite our country’s motto; One People, One Country.
It seems few individuals think they can bend the laws of the country and become a warlord. Port Moresby city belongs to the people of PNG and not one ethnic group. We suppose to contribute to the develop of our urban centres but the way we going now, it doesn’t look good at all.
After 47 years, we should be in a better stage by now, not with this tribal mentality. Something must be done or do we need to educate our people to understand the importance of self-respect, human rights and its effects on the country as a whole.
The recent ethnic crash amongst the settlers from two different provinces at Erima is in front of major government’s public service facilities and must be condemned. The ethnic fight happened just between the boundaries of Jacksons International Airport, Saint Peter’s and New Erima Primary schools and just around the corner is the PNG’s National Parliament building. The violent scene was witnessed by the general public and business houses, it therefore portrays a bad image for the country.
We have laws in place that is used to safeguard our country but it seems some people are too ignorant to abide by it. And it is not the first time for these clashes in Erima. So, can the Government outlaw this particular ethnic confrontation in a more severe manner within the confinement of the laws? The implementation of these laws should be imposed with stiffer penalty for those responsible. We have been hearing promises of improvements, but really, nothing has been done so fair. How long can we sit and watch as we have people running around in the city with knives, sticks, stones and bow and arrows. Please, can the Government do something about this. Can we tighten our laws to punish those responsible. These trouble makers know that they can get away with it easily so they continue instigating such violent clashes.
The breeding nest of the criminal activities are squatter settlements. Therefore, all squatter settlements must move out of the city boundaries. This will reduce petty crimes and possible ethnic confrontation in the urban areas. Other common hideouts for these crooks to carry out their activities are at the betelnut and cigarette vending areas as they hang around there to punch on their pry. And many have fallen victims to these people. But other victims who try to repel the attacker are killed or badly injured mercilessly. So, the freedom of one’s right for enjoyment and wellbeing comes into question here. It also inflicts anger and fear amongst the innocent public.
Therefore, whoever creates social disturbance or ethnic confrontation must be held accountable according to laws. He or she must face the full blunt of the laws and get locked up. If nothing happens to these instigators, they will be our thorny weeds among many good aspiring Papua New Guineans.
