3 killed in tribal clash in Enga

National, Normal
Source:

By JAMES APA GUMUNO

THREE people are believed to have been killed and more than 20 houses razed in a tribal fight between two sub-clans of Miok in Surinki, Enga province.
Provincial police commander Supt Michael Chare said yesterday from Wabag the fight started last Thursday between the Malole Wai and Makole Miok clans.
Supt Chare said the fight erupted after a Grade 10 student from Pilakambi High School was shot dead and eight of his Makole Wai clansmen were seriously injured.
The Makole Miok clansmen fired at them in Pyaori market from a moving vehicle and fled.
“Reports reaching my office say that three people were killed but this was not confirmed.
“More than 20 houses in the Surinki area belonging to the two warring clans were burnt down, food gardens and other properties were also destroyed,” he said.
Supt Chare said the two warring clans were using guns, making it difficult for police and peace mediators to move in.
“I have deployed policemen to Surinki to get the warring leaders together for peace talks but that will be difficult because the tension is too high,” he said and  appealed to the leaders from both sides to come out voluntarily and talk to the policemen.
Supt Chare also appealed to village court officials from Surinki to get involved and talk to the leaders of the two clans to lay down their arms.
“They can’t let people continue to fight and kill each other,” he said.
Supt Chare also appealed to elected leaders from the province to talk to their people and help police maintain order.
He said many children were too scared to go to school because of the fight while many public servants from the warring clans did turn up for work for fear of their safety.
“Such fights are affecting the livelihood of the people and the young.
“There is no winner in such fights, only losers.
“So lay down your arms,” Supt Chare said.