WHILE I express that same sentiments as Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Sam Abal (“Abal: Tough laws needed”, Oct 31), I suppose it’s a little bit more than just laws.
I am a tribal fight victim and I voted for you because you made a solemn undertaking to tackle the tribal fights in our electorate. I’d like to think that your law and order predecessors failed to do a thorough analysis before putting forward an action plan.
From my observation, whilst enduring tough times amidst tribal warfare in and around my valley, here is a glimpse of what I see.
Firstly, the current laws are just enough to dictate law and order in our society. Some societies are enjoying peace and freedom whereas others don’t is a reflection that there is an imbalance in the implementation of the law somewhere. I’d like to think that the law and order front liners are causing the imbalance in the line of their duties.
Secondly, tribal fights are emerging because of a sense of insecurity. The innate fear of being attacked is prompting individuals to smuggle firearms and start fighting. The police are not providing the security that they are commissioned to provide.
Last week’s tribal attack at Rakamanda (Wabag) is a good example.
On the first day, the police said there was not enough manpower. The next day they said there was not enough ration to aid them in patrolling the area and on the third day, they said they were looking for toilet tissue at Wabag town.
While they were still doing that, the planned attack eventuated and a young man was shot. Two more young men were killed after that. Is this the security you promised?
Thirdly, there were no plans to keep our youths occupied to deter them from fighting. It is not a bad idea to compensate tribal fight-related incidents but there is no tangible strategy in place to reinforce any rehabilitation process.
Honourable Abal, before we talk about law, let’s talk about the people involved in the tribal fights first. Cultivate their emotions and that will give you an idea on how to resolve some of the problems. Not all the causes of tribal fights are the same. Talk to us, the victims, and you will find solutions.

Yapui Mac
Via email