Monday, October 18, 2010
(tvnz)

Fijians could soon be forced to carry identification cards in a sign of the country's increasing militarisation.

A proposal for the implementation of a compulsory National Identity Card was made to Fiji's military strongman and self-proclaimed Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

According to Fijivillage.com, the proposal was put forward during a briefing at the Airports Fiji Limited board room, where Senior Defence Ministry official Joji Washington told Bainimarama that the card would contain critical personal information about an individual and could be used for identification requirements.

Washington said the ID card would strengthen the work of law enforcement, immigration, customs, biosecurity, border police, and airline and port security.

Residents would be required to carry the cards at all times or face punishment.

A Fijian resident told ONE News that "the security noose is tightening". Fijians have already been forced to hand over their telephone and internet details.

The Pacific nation has been under military rule since a coup in 2006...
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