By JAMES APA GUMUNO
ENGA province has been declared a fighting zone.
The decision was made yesterday by the peace and good order committee in the province after several tribal wars had threatened the safety of the people.
As a result of the fighting, the prestigious Amapyaka Lutheran International School had been forced to shut down.
The school is located between Wabag and Wapenamanda.
Last Thursday at the Akom village near the school, four people armed with homemade guns, bush knives and axes were arrested by police while trying to cross the main road on their way to a battle field at Pina village.
Acting provincial police commander Chief Inspector Martin Lakari said yesterday that the four men were charged last Friday by Wabag police with various offences under the Inter-Group Fighting Act.
Mr Lakari said this was the first arrest after the province was declared as “fighting zone”.
He said the four men would appear before Wabag district court today for committal hearing.
Mr Lakari issued a stern warning to the public that Wabag police would arrest anybody carrying offensive weapons around or holding illegal gatherings.
He said the tribal fight near Amapyaka International School was stopped by police who were camping at the school grounds to monitor the situation as tension was still high.

General email: national@thenational.com.pg
Letters To Editor email: letters@thenational.com.pg
The National web site: www.thenational.com.pg

Keeping you informed everyday!

Copyright © 2003 [The National Online] Private Policy.