A task force team will be set up inthe Papua New GuineaDefense Force to identify shortfalls inthe command and control of soldiers atthe Taurama Barracks in Port Moresby.
Beigadier General Francis Agwi made this known in a media statement earlier this week, following recent attacks on civilians by soldiers fromthe barracks.
The Taurama Barracks command will come under close scrutiny when a task force team is put in place this weekend to identify weaknesses.
The mover has come about following recent attacks on civilians and property destruction by drunk and unruly soldiers.
The task force team will be a four-member operation, comprising a colonel, lieutenant colonel, a major andPNG F lawyer. They will be located inthe barracks, overseeingthe Taurama Barracks administration.
Concerns were raised bythe opposition and those who were victims ofthe attack, that soldiers have gone rogue, thus questioning whtherthPNGDF command has control over its personnel.
Last week, settlers residing on Robert Gall’s property at 7-mile were attacked andtheir houses were burnt over a fight that occurred between one ofthe soldiers and youths residing onthe property.
The soldiers, believed to be fromthe Taurama barracks, had apparently gone tothe settlement to claimthe Twenty-thousand kina compensationthey had demanded fromthe youths during a previous incident several weeks ago.
Mr Gall saidthe soldier in question has been identiflied and a report onthe attack, includingthe initial issue which resulted inthe destruction of property, will be given tothPNGDF hierarchy andthe police.
Beigadier Agwi saidthe 7-mile incident will not be overlooked, while describing his men’s actions as criminal.
