Arrest offenders for lasting peace, says Basil

THE ongoing tension between the people of Waria and Bianghai in Wau, Bulolo, Morobe, will only be settled once all culprits are brought to justice, says an official.
Local MP Sam Basil told people at Wau Police Station that over the years, they had seen murder, arson, rape, grievous bodily harm cases and other lawlessness between these two groups of people.
Basil, who is also the Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, said there was a spiralling effect of payback killings, arson and other violence by both sides that was continuing with a killing two weeks ago.
Basil said his office, police and other stakeholders wanted to put an end to the violence in the area caused by the two groups.
He said police personnel had been increased to arrest those involved in crimes over the past months.
“Wau town belongs to Papua New Guinea and not to these two ethnic groups or any other groups,” he said.
Basil warned groups causing trouble in Wau, especially to services and businesses, to stop or they would be dealt with by police.
He said peace negotiations would only take place once all those involved in killing, damaging property and other offences were arrested and charged.
He said any leader from either group who tried to negotiate for peace before the offenders were arrested would also be arrested and charged.
He said the responsibility of the community leaders now was to identify those people involved.