MINISTER for Police National Security and Correctional Service applauds the amnesty programme which begins as of yesterday.

Hon Stanley Sofu said during the launching of the disarmament and the amnesty programme yesterday that national security is paramount for the development of the country, and to do that – “gun must be free”.

“As you are all aware, my Ministry is mandated to look after the national security of the country.

“I am over whelmed that this program is finally launched to complete the disarmament and amnesty programme before RAMSI leaves our shores at the end of June 2017,” he said.

Mr Sofu said the RSIPF could not implement this programme on their own, considering the limited resource they have and the fact that RAMSI is leaving in a couple of weeks’ time.

He said the timeframe to implement the programme is demanding and without the support of RAMSI and the members of SIPCRRA it could be exhausting for the members of the RSIPF.

“I believed after the programme is completed, our people should enjoy the lasting peace which they have been longing for since the ethnic tension.

“More foreign companies would have the confidence to invest in the country. Our vulnerable community should move freely without fear and enjoy their daily activities in a peaceful environment.

“It is my sincere hope that this programme will be implemented and completed as scheduled, and encourages our communities to support the members of SIPCRA who will be assisting the RSIPF to carry out this programme.”