Peace restored in Mendi as businesses, services reopen

By PETER WARI
BUSINESS houses and government services in Mendi have reopened after election-related violence erupted in the Southern Highlands capital.
Acting police commander Chief Supt Daniel Yangen said peace had been restored and people were moving around freely while police had set up camps near town where properties were destroyed.
Yangen said a peace negotiation committee was set up on Monday after a peace agreement signed by six representatives each for regional candidates – William Powi, Peter Nupiri, Benard Kaku and three representatives from Wa village.
“The agreement is for supporters to lay down weapons, no more destruction of innocent people’s properties and allow police to patrol and take position where properties were destroyed,” he said.
“The candidates have withdrawn their supporters and want peace, and police will get hard on opportunists who are trying to collect rubbish and cause problems after the peace negotiation.”
Yangen said fencing at Mendi Airport had been destroyed at many sections and he warned people not to take shortcuts through it.
He also appealed to supporters to respect each other and allow people to do their daily business.
“I commend Nupiri and Kaku’s decision to make peace, accept the Electoral Commission decision to declare Powi and look forward to challenging the decision in court.
“This was a mature decision and now everyone is working together to make sure people’s freedom is not jeopardised.”
Imbonggu development authority acting chief executive officer Joseph Timothy said the provincial government should set up a “restoration committee” and make available an appropriate budget to help public servants rebuild their homes burnt in the violence.