Guns and politicians

SEEING the photograph of guns supposedly owned by a politician on page 4 of The National on Friday (June 8) makes you shiver.
That gun was allegedly stolen from a politician’s home by someone and used to kill a man in Tari.
The murderer has been arrested.
But it shows the extent to which political leaders go to acquire high-powered guns for reasons only known to them.
It is common knowledge in the Highlands that leaders and people with money buy guns for their tribes.
See what happened when these guns are in the wrong hands?
Those who believe in the power of the gun for protection should remember that those who live by the sword die by the sword, therefore those who live by the gun will die by the gun.
It is now up to the politicians and other leaders, from the very top leadership of this country down to the villagers themselves, to think very hard about how they can change their people’s mindset on how to live peaceful lives.
Otherwise, Hela, Southern Highlands and other provinces where tribal warfare and gun violence are prevalent and are becoming a norm will make it very difficult for their people for now and in the future.
Throw away the guns and seek God’s protection and you shall live peaceful and enjoyable lives.
Every effort is needed to improve the situation in that province because Hela is beginning to travel down a path that is not intended for its success.

S. Sisiwan
Waigani, NCD