Civil Unrest Engulfs Papua New Guinea's Port Moresby Amidst Pay Deduction Dispute
Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, has descended into chaos as civil unrest erupts over disputed tax increases and pay deductions affecting civil servants. The city is witnessing widespread turmoil, with reports of looting, arson, and an overall breakdown of essential services.
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| Shops being set on fire in Port Moresby |
Numerous shops have been looted and set ablaze, leaving store owners helpless amidst the chaos. Hospitals, banks, supermarkets, markets, and public transport have ceased operations, plunging the city into disarray.
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| Attack at Prime Minister Marape's office |
The turmoil escalated as police and soldiers gathered at Parliament, demanding explanations for the sudden pay cuts. Incidents of vehicles being set on fire outside the Prime Minister's office further intensified the unrest.
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| Disciplinary forces flood Parliament premises |
The government attributes the deductions to glitches in the payroll system, denying any deliberate tax increments. Sam Koim, the Commission General of the Internal Revenue Commission, swiftly addressed the concerns, emphasizing the government's commitment to investigate the issue.
Prime Minister James Marape clarified that no official tax hikes were sanctioned by the government. He assured the affected workers of ongoing investigations into the matter, promising a resolution to rectify any erroneous deductions.
To mitigate the crisis, the Finance Department plans to issue a statement clarifying the situation and intends to reimburse any wrongly deducted amounts during the initial pay cycle of 2024. This turbulent situation underscores the significance of transparent governance in addressing workforce-related financial issues and restoring stability to public services.
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