Papua New Guinea's National Executive Council is expected to discuss at a meeting today imposing a state of emergency in Southern Highlands province.
The National newspaper reports Prime Minister Peter O'Neill as saying the province has serious law and order issues which need to addressed immediately.
The National Security Advisory Committee had decided to refer the matter to the cabinet.
The report says the government was concerned about the progress of the PNG liquefied natural gas project and would move quickly to effectively deal with lawlessness and disorderly behaviour by landowners.
A government spokesman says the state of emergency would involve increasing the police presence in the region.
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