Chamber urges govt to stop arms build-up

THERE is a build-up of firearms in Enga’s Porgera and the Government needs to intervene and stop it, Porgera Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Nickson Pakea says.
“Business communities and the people want peace in Porgera Valley,” he added.
Pakea said recent police operations following the killing of a policeman and burning of police barracks in Hela would also have an impact on Porgera and mining activities and operations.
“Porgera and Tari have cultural ties that have become a safe haven for perpetrators shifting their weapons into Porgera.
“In the last gun amnesty in Hela by the Government and provincial government, all guns were brought to Porgera through the bush track. There was destruction from the use of the weapons, including an increase in illegal mining and killings. Many Tari people have also died,” he added.
“In the last four days since the state deployed police to the devastated Tari, Porgera communities have seen an increase in high-powered firearms in the Special Mining Lease area.
“The communities informed the local district office of the guns movement. We do not know their intentions.”