At least 15 people have died in protests and riots across Papua New Guinea's two largest cities, Port Moresby and Lae, after a government pay glitch caused unexpected deductions from public servants' salaries.

The incident occurred amidst already simmering discontent in the country, fueled by high unemployment and rising living costs. Frustrations boiled over when thousands of public servants, including police officers, soldiers, and prison staff, walked off their jobs in protest of the pay cuts.

The capital, Port Moresby, and the second-largest city, Lae, witnessed widespread violence and destruction. Footage circulating online showed burning buildings, looted shops, and chaotic scenes on the streets.

Prime Minister James Marape acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating that Port Moresby was "under stress and duress" but that the violence had subsided. He confirmed that police were absent from the city during the height of the unrest, leading to some opportunistic acts of lawlessness.

As of Thursday morning, tensions in the cities appeared to have eased. However, many shops and businesses remained closed, as owners assessed the damage and repairs were undertaken.

The full extent of the damage and casualties from the unrest is still being determined. While the immediate violence may have subsided, the underlying frustrations that sparked the protests remain unaddressed. The government faces a critical task in restoring trust and addressing the economic challenges that continue to burden the country. (ILKHA)