The Governor of East Sepik, former Papua New Guinea prime minister, Sir Michael Somare says immediate measures will be taken to address the situation in Wewak, following a clash between local police and PNG Defence Force personnel.
A drunk soldier was severely beaten by police in the township last week which led to other soldiers storming the police station in retaliation.
The Post Courier reports Sir Michael met with prime minister Peter O'Neill to discuss the issue and to look for a way forward, one of which includes the appointment of a new provincial police commander.
In a statement, Sir Michael called for the perpetrators behind the unrest to be suspended from duties while independent investigations are carried out.
He says the police commander in Wewak has failed the province and has not responded to any calls from himself as governor nor the provincial administration to which he reports.
Meanwhile, another investigation is also underway in Wewak, PNG's acting police commissioner, Simon Kauba, has set up a high level investigation into the alleged rape last weekend of a 19-year old girl by Wewak-based policemen.
