Locals want Government services back

 By DOROTHY MARK

HUNDREDS of villagers in the Naho-Rawa Local Level Government in Rai Coast affected by sorcery-related tribal fights want Government services restored, police say.

Madang provincial police commander Chief Supt Sylvester Kalaut travelled with Madang Governor Jim Kas to visit the six villages in Gomumu and Sakiko on Sunday.

Kalaut said people were still living outside their villages because they feared returning to their homes after the fights began.

The fight last year was between a group trying to eradicate sorcery practices and the alleged sorcerer who formed a group as well.

He said many lives were lost, homes burnt and food gardens destroyed. It led to the closure of government services in the area. 

Kalaut said schools and aid posts were closed early last year forcing hundreds of children to miss classes. They are still closed.

He said he would send a police team into the area to conduct awareness and help the people resume their normal lives.

“I will make arrangements with Oxfam and other NGOs to visit the area and conduct more awareness,” Kalaut said.

He said the Gomumu people supported the campaign against sorcery. Police charged 200 of them with arson and murder. They are serving their terms at Beon jail.