1 Mar 2007

PNG's police head warns landowners over threats

7:56 pm on 1 March 2007

The head of the Papua New Guinea police is warning landowners that the force will not take their threats lightly.

Police commissioner Gari Baki is urging aggrieved landowners to seek legal redress or peaceful resolutions instead.

Mr Baki's comments follow threats by Hoskins Oil Palm Growers Association to shut down key installations owned and operated by New Britain Oil Palm Limited if the government did not respond positively to their demands.

The landowners have also threatened to disrupt the 2007 National General Elections.

Mr Baki says the police are investigating various threats and however genuine their claims, he will not hesitate to come down hard on the landowners if they break the law.

He is expected to visit the West New Britain Province next week to talk to landowners and company officials.