Papua New Guinea Vows Crackdown After 15 Killed In Riots
Sumaira FH Published January 11, 2024 | 03:00 PM
Port Moresby, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Jan, 2024) Papua New Guinea's prime minister pledged to crack down on "lawlessness" Thursday, following riots in which 15 people were killed as angry crowds torched buildings and ransacked shops.
Violence erupted in the capital Port Moresby on Wednesday evening after a group of soldiers, police officers and prison guards launched protests against the government.
Within hours riots had also taken root in the city of Lae, some 300 kilometres (186 miles) to the north.
Prime Minister James Marape on Thursday apologised to the country, saying the bursts of "lawlessness" would "not be tolerated".
"I want to speak today, speak to the people and speak to the country," he said at a press conference.
"This is your country as much as it's my country. breaking the law does not achieve certain outcomes."
Police Commissioner David Manning confirmed at least 15 people were killed during the outbreak of civil unrest.
Port Moresby's largest hospital treated 25 people with gunshot wounds, according to figures provided to AFP, as well as six people with "bush knife" lacerations.
AFPTV footage showed looters in the capital dashing into stores through smashed glass windows, stuffing stolen goods into cardboard boxes, shopping trolleys and plastic buckets.
One man was seen lugging an entire chest freezer away on his shoulders.
Buildings and cars were set alight, AFPTV footage showed, stirring up thick plumes of black smoke that hung over the worst-hit parts of the city.
The US Embassy in Port Moresby said shots were fired near its compound as police tried to "disperse groups of looters".
Earlier, a smaller crowd gathered outside the prime minister's office in Port Moresby, tearing a security gate off its rails and torching a parked police car.
Beijing has lodged a complaint with Papua New Guinea's government, following reports that rioters targeted Chinese-owned businesses.
Port Moresby resident Maho Laveil, an economics lecturer at the University of Papua New Guinea, said peace had "largely been restored" by Thursday evening.
"They've chased the looters away, they've stopped the buildings from burning," he told AFP.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Over 37% Tobacco tax increase suggested to save lives, boost revenue
Mohsin Naqvi has offered a substantial incentive, pledging $100,000 to every pla ..
Citizens join Al Barsha Police in “An Hour for Dubai” Initiative
Art can be a powerful tool to relieve stress, Experts say at Sharjah Children’ ..
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 5 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 05 May 2024
Bugti assures transporters for addressing their problems
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar meets foreign min ..
3 drug peddlers arrested, hashish recovered
1496,990 children given polio drops in five days: DC
Six terrorists killed, hideout busted in N Waziristan IBO: ISPR
Pakistan, Qatar agree to further expand trade, investment ties
More Stories From World
-
Football: English Premier League table
31 minutes ago -
Football: English Premier League results
31 minutes ago -
Football: Italian Serie A results - 1st update
41 minutes ago -
Brazil mounts frantic rescue effort as flooding kills 66
1 hour ago -
Al Jazeera condemns Israel's 'criminal' decision to close offices
1 hour ago -
Five things to know about Al Jazeera
1 hour ago
-
Floods in southern Brazil force 70,000 from homes
1 hour ago -
Pak Women Cricket Team arrives in London for T20, ODI series against England
2 hours ago -
China's Xi arrives in France for state visit
2 hours ago -
Football: Spanish La Liga results
2 hours ago -
Football: Scottish Premiership table
2 hours ago -
Football: Scottish Premiership results
2 hours ago