10 die in row over firewood

By JAMES APA GUMUNO
TEN people have been killed in a row over a bundle of firewood which began three months ago in Upper Mendi, Southern Highlands.
There have been injuries to others and damage to properties  worth millions of kina.
Acting provincial police commander Sibron Patoto said the row had started last October between two clansmen over a bundle of firewood. Fighting had continued since.
The 10th victim, from a neighbouring clan who was helping the Mungrar sub-clans, was killed in a fight yesterday and left many others injured.
Chief Insp Patoto said the fight was between the Mungrar and Boin sub-clans in the Mendep tribe.
The fight erupted after an argument over a bundle of firewood between two clansmen. They attacked each other’s property when rival clansmen were not around.
Patoto said initially, people from only two council wards fought but now people from two other wards had joined in.
He said many people had been injured and families left homeless.
Some had sought refuge in neighbouring villages in the area.
He said many houses and food gardens had been completely destroyed.
He said 30 police officers had been deployed last week and were camped out in Upper Mendi – 15 camping with the Boin tribe and 15 with the Mungrar clansmen.
Patoto said the policemen were talking to the tribal leaders to end the warfare and were gradually making some progress.
He said one party had already indicated it wanted to make peace and the other party said it would decide on Thursday.
He said police had made sure public facilities such as schools, health centres and other projects in the area were not affected.
Patoto said the Mendi district and provincial administration were now working closely with the police to bring peace into the area.

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