“The gun must not rule”: Sir John Pundari to lead national disarmament

Prime Minister James Marape has tasked new Police Minister Sir John Pundari with a major role aimed at curbing Papua New Guinea’s deteriorating law and order situation.

Sir John, the longest-serving Member of Parliament and leader of the Liberal Party, takes over the portfolio with a singular, high-stakes mandate in the total disarmament of tribal warlords and the extraction of high-powered illegal firearms from the Highlands region.

Marape said Sir John’s appointment was strategic, citing his retrospective experience as a former Speaker, Deputy Prime Minister, and multi-term MP for Kompiam-Ambum, an electorate that has itself been deeply affected by tribal conflict.

"Sir John is the longest-serving member of this Parliament right now. He has the firsthand knowledge of the regions rife with gun violence," Marape said. "We felt that letting him take this problem head-on, removing guns, and stopping tribal fights would allow us to resolve this matter once and for all."

The government’s new security mandate introduces a different approach to illegal weaponry.

Marape said a limited amnesty period is being drafted to allow citizens to surrender illegal firearms without fear of prosecution. This may include a financial buyback scheme to incentivize the removal of high-powered rifles from circulation.

The Prime Minister also issued a chilling warning to those who refuse to comply.

"Once the amnesty period ends, security forces will be authorized to hunt down those still holding weapons," Marape said.

The Kumul 23 will be a key component to achieve this ambiguous goal.

Marape said to prevent the cycle of payback against law enforcement, a new state policy ensures that police and defense personnel are legally shielded while performing disarmament duties.