Islanders: We can’t go back

By DOROTHY MARK
MANAM Islanders living at a care centre in Madang have threatened to sue the government for breaching their human rights if they are forced back to the active volcanic island, a councillor says.
Iabu local level government president Kenny Boli said they met last Wednesday with Manam and Bunubun leaders at the Mangem care centre to resolve an ethnic clash between the two factions that occurred three weeks ago.
Boli said suggestions were made to have the islanders move back to the island but he said that would not be possible because the Warisi
and Bokure villages on the island were completely damaged by lava from a recent volcanic eruption.
He said there was no way the people would rebuild their lives on the island.
“They can find another place in Bogia and resettle people but not back to the island,” he said.
Boli said lava from the recent eruption had destroyed coconuts, gardens and homes.
“There’s nothing to return to accept stones and ashes so going back to the island is not an option,” Boli said.
Madang deputy administrator Markus Kachau said the provincial government would consider a possible option but in the meantime, police have been tasked to monitor the situation.
Police were challenged to investigate the ethnic clash and make arrests.
Sumkar MP Chris Nangoi said he was briefed on what had transpired.
Nangoi said he was communicating with authorities and would assist where possible.