Forces sent to beef up security in Sugu Valley

By PISAI GUMAR
ADDITIONAL police and PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) personnel are being deployed to beef up security operations to stop the ongoing tribal war that had been waged in Sugu Valley since Feb 10.
Southern Highlands police commander Martin Lakari, pictured, said a police task force was deployed earlier to Kagua to monitor and neutralise the tension.
“Additional force comprising police mobile squads and PNGDF will be deployed next week,” Lakari added.
“I am leading about 60 men to camp and talk to warring tribal leaders to lay down arms and facilitate peace talks and negotiations.
“We must proceed with mediation efforts because the fight has stopped for two weeks.”
He said all available manpower and additional men would be deployed to restore public law and order.
“We will also work in collaboration with the Southern Highlands government peace mediation committee to visit the camps of warring tribes and discuss with their leaders on how to restore peace,” he said.
“The efforts to broker peace with the committee will commence next week.”
Lakari said the fighting and killing had stopped but “tension is still high”.
“I appeal to all warring tribes to lay down arms and talk peace because many lives have been lost, houses and government properties destroyed, leaving thousands of families homeless,” he said.
“Police and PNGDF are the law enforcing arms of the Government that will reach out to enemy territories to conduct awareness and negotiate for peace mediation to begin.”
Akar’s Ya’ala tribe leader Justin Mapi told The National at Angema Village on Saturday that any peace talk and assistance should involve local businessman Maita Yawi.
“He has braved bad and good times since the start of the tribal feuds, initiating efforts to neutralise tensions and brokering for peace talks,” he said.
“He has met and talked to the warring tribal leaders.
“That is why he should be involved in the latest peace efforts launched by the police and government committee.”