The Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a country in the Pacific Ocean that comprises of the eastern half of the island of New Guinea. It has a population of over 11 million residents as of 2021. The country is bordered by Indonesia, Australia, and the Solomon Islands.
According to reports, the unrest in PNG has led to the destruction of infrastructure, looting, and at least 15 casualties. A state of emergency has been declared in Port Moresby for a 14-day period, with more than 1,000 troops on standby to step in wherever necessary.
The report further mentions that the unrest was triggered after the police and other public servants discovered a 50% reduction in their latest paychecks, which led to a strike action over rising costs and high unemployment. The Prime Minister addressed the issue as a computer glitch and an ‘administrative error’ that would be corrected in next month’s payment.
