THE Malaita Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Leslie Kili, has called on people in East Malaita where the New Asian Mining Company is conducting mineral prospecting to act within the bounds of the country’s laws.
Speaking to Solomon Star Auki yesterday, PPC Kili said Auki police have received reports about landowners taking the law into their own hands by setting up roadblocks, demanding compensation and threatening New Asia Mining Company workers.
The PPC said whilst land is a sensitive issue to deal with in Malaita, he said there are proper and lawful channels available for landowners to address the issue.
He said taking the law into their own hands will only lead to more unlawful activities.
Two weeks ago, a New Asia Mining Company worker was threatened with knives and demanded to pay an on-the-spot compensation of $3000.
The Asian worker has since fled to Honiara.
According to PPC Kili, police in Malaita are closely monitoring the situation surrounding the mining prospecting in East Falaleka and East Kwara’ae.
By WILSON SAENI in Auki
