Chairman calls for mediation

A VILLAGE court chairman has raised concern that a tribal fight would possibly begin over land in the Tambul-Nebilyer, Western Highlands, and wants leaders in the Lower Nebilyer local level government to help mediate for peace.
Peter Waki from Kulga village told The National that the district, after many years of tribal fighting and bloodshed, had enjoyed a period of peace with disputes settled by community leaders.
Waki said two tribes, Mokui and Wala-Komonga, had recently been disputing ownership of a piece of land tension was growing.
“The land belongs to the Brian Leah family and is now State land but the two tribes are arguing over the land and people are worried it may turn nasty,” he said.
Waki said the land was not customary land but members from both tribes had built houses and made food gardens on the land.
He called on village court officials, councillors, local peace and good order committee, police, and church leaders to unite and help bring a peaceful and fair resolution to the dispute.
“The land is not theirs and they are arguing over a portion of land that belongs to the State.”
Waki called on both sides to surrender their firearms as this would be a step to ensuring peace.