7 Dec 2011

Morobe petitioners call for riot-related suspension of povincial government

6:44 pm on 7 December 2011

A group of Morobe people petitioning Papua New Guinea's government for an inquiry into last month's riots in Lae is also calling for the suspension of the provincial government.

The Morobe Peace and Good Order Committee has presented the petition to the National Planning Minister, Sam Basil, and the Minister for Internal Security, John Boito.

Mr Basil says the petitioners want the reintroduction of the vagrancy act, the removal of illegal settlers, a liquor ban on retailers and a crack down on Asian traders.

"The Prime Minister has taken charge of it because it is addressed to the Prime Minister and he will call a proper forum to address this issue, which is all the nine members of Morobe including the governor himself to address this issue. And it will be done very soon, when the Prime Minister is ready."

Sam Basil says the petitioners also want the books of the provincial government and the city council to be audited.