OPPOSITION Leader Joseph Lelang said the hostage crisis on the border of Gulf and Southern Highlands ought to be a para-military operation and not even discussed in the media.
He said: “While all due care must be taken to ensure the safety of all hostages, the long-term repercussions of how we handle this situation must be kept in mind.
“We must take absolute care not to encourage a repeat of this situation in future by the manner in which we resolve this present one.
“The Police Commissioner should not be taking the limelight in the media talking about this. This is for the politicians on the ground working with local community and church elders.
“The Police Commissioner should be directing a different operation.
“Why are we threatening the criminals holding the hostages via the media? Does that not place the lives of the hostages at stake? Why are we discussing this in the media even.
“The criminal elements in this country can read our political and security ‘mauswara’ like a book by now. We are high on rhetoric and low on delivery.”
“The Baker Gang in Milne Bay did not surrender despite numerous appeals and threats from all sources including from the Prime Minister at that time. Only a special operation by security forces on the ground brought that reign of terror to an end and sent out a powerful message that such an end would await all others who want to follow in Baker’s footsteps.”
“The hostage situation came to light on February 19. By now we ought to have inserted those “elite forces” that the military and police force have been training forever for.”
The Opposition Leader sent his prayers and support to the hostages and to their families.
“In the same manner, I want to encourage those negotiating the release of the hostages to identify and use local leadership and the families of the criminals to assist with the negotiations.”
