Miner condemns killings

BARRICK Niugini Ltd (BNL), operator of the Porgera mine in Enga, has condemned the killing of at least nine people during an outbreak of tribal violence that occurred last week in Porgera Valley.
BNL executive managing director Anthony Esplin confirmed local reports that at least nine people, including women and children, died following a further outbreak of violence linked to a tribal conflict between two warring groups from Tari in Hela.
“I can confirm that yesterday (on Wednesday) there was an attack by armed men near Suyan village approximately five kilometres from the Porgera mine, with at least nine people, including women and children, fatally shot by the attackers,” Esplin said.
“Police personnel are currently in attendance at the scene, and are investigating the murders with the assistance of local community leaders from the Porgera law and order committee.
“BNL understands that this continuing violence is part of a long-running conflict between two outside groups who are currently residing in and around the Porgera Valley.
“We condemn these killings in the strongest terms and join with the local community in calling for an end to this senseless violence.
“While we have confirmed that no mine employees were involved in this incident, the ongoing violence affects everyone who lives and works in Porgera valley – they are living in fear as a consequence of this conflict and the general decline of law and order in Porgera and beyond,” he said.
“Together with the community leaders of Porgera, we call on the Government and provincial government to act swiftly in bringing those responsible to justice and will provide any appropriate support needed to bring about an end to this violent criminal behaviour.”