People urged to settle tribal fights themselves

PROVINCIAL Minister for law and order in Morobe Kiwas Nayos has called on the people to settle tribal fights and disputes among themselves instead of relying on government’s assistance.
He said village leaders should be taking the lead in negotiating for peace at the first place while awaiting government interventions.
He made the call after serving a restraining order to leaders and elders of Wahon and Hendeneng villages in Burum/Kuat LLG in Finschhafen over the last weekend following tribal fighting that erupted between the two villages recently.
He told the people to adhere to the restraining order or face severe penalties.
During the fight, homes, coffee and food gardens as well as lives were lost.
This is not good and people must refrain from this, he said.
Last Saturday, two caskets of a seven-year-old boy and his mother killed during the fight were flown to the village.
Nayos said a proposed peace reconcilliation ceremony would be held later this year once all necessary requirements were finalised and mutual understanding between the parties was achieved.
He thanked Wahon and Hendeneng peace committee in Lae for taking the initiative to contribute food items, clothing, cooking utensils and other household goods to families affected in the fight.