A human rights group in Papua New Guinea is calling for 10,000 people near the Porgera mine to be relocated following a police operation last weekend.
Photo: Supplied/ McDiyan Robert Yapari
The Akali Tange Association says 50 houses were burnt down in the police raid in a village where 100 houses have been destroyed previously.
The Association Chairman Langan Muri said three girls had reported being raped during the raid and more people were coming forward with complaints.
He said they believed the mine co-owners, Barrick Gold commanded the operation by police, who were employed by the company.
He called for Barrick and the government to take urgent action.
The aftermath of the Porgera fire. Photo: Supplied/ McDiyan Robert Yapari
"They should relocate the entire village. Let the mining activities go ahead. People and pets, children playing around the mine site and the company seems to be saying illegally trespassing and police every now and then, shooting people, raping people, burning down houses."
Barrick Gold denied involvement in the police operation and said only 18 structures were removed.