11 dead as feuding families clash

ELEVEN persons are reported to have been killed in Anglimp-South Waghi, Jiwaka, on Saturday.
Police commissioner David Manning said initial investigations revealed that the killings emanated from an ongoing feud between two families.
The 11 deceased were from the Kupaka Onbe sub-clan of Aviamp village, Anglimp local level government area.
“The killing of 11 persons in the middle of the night is very disturbing and police, with the support of the PNG Defence Force, are tracking down the people who committed these crimes,” Manning said.
“This violence is never acceptable and police are getting to the bottom of what are essentially cold-blooded murders.”
Manning said the feuding families live in the same environment and share land and traditional resources, and the feud is believed to have been ongoing for some years.
“The killings occurred after the now deceased people had relocated to a higher mountain area and were living in a temporary shelter,” he said.
“They were believed to have been sleeping in this shelter when that was burnt with some people still inside.”
Manning said the deceased were attacked with both bush knives and firearms, and of the 11 killed one was a female and 10 were males including two children.
“Police and PNGDF in Jiwaka are pursuing the suspects who are now hiding in a swampy and densely covered area,” he said.
“The suspects have been warned that if they do not surrender, security forces personnel will use appropriate force to bring them in.”
Manning said if any suspect turns a weapon on the public or security forces they will most likely be shot.
“The people are sick and tired of these domestic terrorists who feel they are above the law,” he said.
“These criminals are not above the law and if they do not comply with police directions they will likely pay the ultimate price for their disgraceful behaviour.”
Manning said since the killings on Saturday, there had been sporadic incidents between the opposing sub-clans and police were working to reduce tension so they could more effectively pursue the criminal cases.