Riots in Papua New Guinea leave 16 dead

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – At least 16 people were killed during riots in Papua New Guinea as Prime Minister James Marape ordered deployment of the military to bring the situation under control.

Riots began Wednesday after “some residents took advantage of police being on strike” and set shops and businesses in the capital Port Moresby on fire, Australia’s ABC News reported on Thursday.

Nine of the deceased were confirmed dead in Port Moresby while other seven were killed in Lae, the island nation’s second-largest city.

Police, defense, and other public servants were on protest at the country’s Parliament House over salary issues.

Saying the capital is “under stress and duress,” Marape ordered defense personnel to help police "restore order in the city.”

Several Chinese businesses were also attacked, prompting protests from Beijing on Wednesday.

"As a result, the absence of police presence led to riots and looting in certain parts of our city," Marape said.

It was “unfortunate that other centers (regions) are trying to copy what happened in Port Moresby,” he said, appealing people “to realize that this is our country, and we have to take ownership of it.”​​​​​​​