Gun-related violence in the Highlands Region of Papua New Guinea has drawn much skepticism about the progress of the 2017 National Elections.
With only 3 months to go before the issue of writs, people have been resorting to the barrel of the gun to lobby support for elections.
This has prompted the government to impose the gun moratorium to control the use of firearms in the hands of ordinary people.
The issue of firearms still remains a detrimental issue in the Highlands Region where high-powered guns have been smuggled in to gain and lobby support during elections.
This is something the government through a collaborative effort with the Police and Defense Force have been tasked to look into.
During a Gun Summit held in Port Moresby last year, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill announced for the Gun Moratorium Laws to be introduced in Papua New Guinea to control, and regulate the use of firearms.
Yesterday, Tari Police officer, Daniel Yangen posted on Facebook that several suspected criminals with guns were apprehended by Wabag-based, Mobile Unit 11.
The recent deployment of Police, and Defense Force personnel to provide security during the National Elections in the Highlands Region is a way forward. This is to reduce the use of high powered firearms by locals who have not been through proper gun training, or school on how to operate these firearms.
The challenge now is for the Government to rectify the Gun Moratorium laws to regulate and control gun violence in the country.
