VIOLENCE rocked Papua New Guinea as hundreds of soldiers and government officials abandoned their jobs in protest over a pay dispute.
The government blamed computer glitch in the payroll system as the reason behind the salary cut.
The unrest started in the capital of Port Moresby, with similar riots witnessed in Lae, its second-biggest city.
At least 15 people died in both cities on Wednesday while dozens were injured.
More than 1,000 troops have been deployed as the government works to restore order.
The Pacific island nation is home to a population of around 10 million and is rich in resources but the high unemployment and increased living costs led to rising tensions.
