POLICE Commissioner, David Manning, has issued an alert that security forces are tracking Cr Tawa Kina from Kakandaka village in Enga province. This alert follows the issuance of orders by the Emergency Controller, in response to the murder of eight people and other violent assaults in Suyan village in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Commissioner Manning said Police have attended the scene and taken the human remains to Paiam hospital with investigations continuing and a manhunt underway.
“l issue a stern warning to Tawa Kina, he will be caught. Security forces have been authorised to use all necessary force to bring about this arrest, so I urge Tawa Kina to surrender peacefully,” the Commissioner said.
“l further call on the people of Kakandaka to not hide or aid Tawa Kina, as anyone involved with preventing security operations will be detained and charged.
“The State of Emergency is in place covering Kakandaka Village, and clear directions have been issued by the Emergency Controller for the capture of the wanted man.
Commissioner Manning said the murders are another example of the need for the Counter-Terrorism Act that was passed unanimously by Parliament this week.
“The murders and violence against people in this region, including children and women, is the very definition of domestic terrorism which has been widely discussed.
“The attackers went to Suyan with the intent to murder, assault and to terrorise the remaining villagers leaving them living in fear of another attack while they sleep.
“l don’t care what long standing grievances there might have, any clan who engages in terrorism will be handed the harshest terms by security forces.
“One of the challenges we also have is that the attackers communicate through the Internet and encrypted messaging platforms.
“The misuse of the Internet by domestic terrorists is an area we are acting on and discussing with Telecommunication providers.
“The Counter-Terrorism Act will provide Police with increased authority and reach to deal with such terrorist activities. While we await the certification of this Act, the SOE is in effect in Enga Province and the Emergency Controller has my full support to enact necessary orders.”
