Photo: PNG Police Force
Analysis - A police operation in Tsak Valley, Enga Province, in the early hours of Friday, 2 January 2026, which resulted in five deaths, has prompted calls for an independent investigation following sharply differing accounts of events from police and community sources, as well as a growing rift in public opinion.
The operation, conducted by members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary under an anti-terror policing framework, has been described as a success by police leadership, but has drawn strong criticism from some local leaders and clansmen.
Police account
Acting Police Commissioner Samson Kua said in a statement that security forces commenced operations shortly after 3am, "executing coordinated raids on two locations" in Tsak Valley.
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