Masiu calls on leader to stop threats, violence on voters

SOUTH Bougainville MP Timothy Masiu has called on Mekamui One leader Damien Koike in Konnou to leave the people alone and not threaten them with violence for voting in the referendum.
Masiu made the plea on Monday when he visited the people of Piriraro, Pariro and Tabago who fled from their villages on Friday to seek shelter in Buin town.
More than 200 men, women and children told Masiu and Autonomous Bougainville Government administration officials that they fled after receiving threats from Koike’s men that all those who voted would have to pay K2,000 or face the consequences.
They told Masiu that they did not want to live in a care centre but at a safe venue until the situation returned to normal.
Masiu assured them they would be provided food while sheltering at the Buin STC boys’ dormitories.
“I want you to respect the properties you are using and I want your leaders to continue to find a lasting solution to this issue.”
A team from the National Information and Communication Technology Authority accompanying Masiu contributed and gave K4,000 to the people to afford food rations and other necessities.