World : Troops Rampage for Raise, Get It
From Times wire services
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea —
The government today approved a pay increase for soldiers after hundreds of rampaging troops smashed windows in the Parliament building, overturned cars and tore up plants on city sidewalks to protest a raise they regarded as insufficient.
Witnesses also said the approximately 600 soldiers assaulted bystanders and stole cameras from journalists covering the demonstration. In an emergency session, the government approved a 72% pay hike, to be phased in over three years. An average soldier currently earns the equivalent of $50 a week.
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