Parkop, you can do more

I COULD not agree more with Comrade Cyril Gare on our (PNG) approach to West Papuan issue in The National on Sept 12.
Before I say further on the matter, I’d like to pay tribute to one of our (PNG) fighters for West Papuan Freedom, late John Tekwe. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Like Gare, I followed Powes Parkop since university days and he was not only talking about freedom for West Papua but also New Caledonia and other colonised territories in the Pacific.
He was hard and straight on issues regarding free and independent Pacific. The vigour and drive were phenomenal.
Though, limited military training for West Papua cadre was done abroad in early 1990s, it was done with passion and enthusiasm.
Though, however restrained and activities were during flag raising day on West Papua Day (Dec 1) in the early days from late 1900s to early 2000s it was a solemn and eventful day.
Even up until as late as 2018, weapons bound for West Papua freedom fighters was held at Vanimo, it was done with resoluteness and even promises for the freedom for our relatives who continue to live under bondage from Indonesian colonisers.
Parkop knew all the going ons.
These activities down the years puts the recently staged marches to shame.
The recent march support calls made against Indonesia’s human rights violation in West Papua were but very much reduced in intensity and passion.
Parkop may have lost a step.
I think this is where Gare’s question is being put; Parkop is that all you can do?
Even General Giap did not flounder in the face of an imposing military in the globe. Gare is suggesting that you can do much more, PNG can do even bigger things for our brothers and sisters.
We cannot afford to flounder, even in the face of economic, political or military might of the colonialist oppressors.
You are in position of authority and can do more.
First step is to fully fund and operationalise West Papua Action Committee Office down at Ela Beach.
Secondly enlist West Papuans living and schooling in PNG into our military academy here at Goldie River military training facility. We must enrol them for bureaucratic, administrative and technical duties at our universities and offer them training spaces at our leadership precinct here at Waigani for leadership role post Indonesian rule West Papua.
Parkop must pick up the remains and march forward even if it means bloodshed for the freedom for our kinsmen.
Remember comrade, its Samarai to Sorong

Noruk Do,
Pom