THE people of the five Highlands provinces enjoyed a peaceful and harmonious festive period that attracted heaps of praises from the top police hierarchy in the region.
Assistant commissioner police Simon Kauba yesterday praised the people in the Highlands, especially leaders at all levels who were instrumental in ensuring the people celebrated the festive seasons in the true spirit of Christmas and New Year.
“I thanked the people for their orderly conduct before and after Christmas and New Year periods.
“Most of them went to church services and spent time with families where the true meaning of Christmas and New Year were meaningfully observed,” Mr Kauba said.
He, however, said there were reports of isolated incidents but these had not intensified to affect the peace and order in the region.
Mr Kauba confirmed the death of a young man at Muli village in Ialibu district, Southern Highlands province, after falling off a moving PMV vehicle during the New Year period.
He also said that quick action by leaders in the Dei council area, Western Highlands province, quelled a situation that almost renewed an election-related tribal fight.
“There was an unconfirmed report of three deaths when fighting erupted between two rival factions. However, quick actions by leaders quelled the situation, which is highly commendable,” Mr Kauba said.
He commended the Internal Security Minister and Mul Baiyer MP Sani Rambi and other leaders for standing united.
“Apart from these isolated incidents, the entire Highlands region remained peaceful during the festive period,” he said.
“I commend the people and their leaders for their efforts to maintain order and peace.”
Mr Kauba also commended respective Provincial police commanders (PPCs) and all the police officers, who worked around the clock to maintain peace in the region.