Policemen deployed in tribal fighting zone

 TWENTY policemen have been deployed to a tribal fighting zone in Nipa, Southern Highlands, to keep peace and order after a man’s death over a land dispute last week.

The tribal fight erupted on Wednesday, Feb 24, at about 11.30am at Tumia village bordering two warring villages in Upper Nembi Plateau between the Hulol and Homodol villages.

A man was allegedly shot dead by Homodol tribesmen a month ago over a land dispute.

Southern Highlands provincial police commander Chief Superintendent Sibron Papoto confirmed the incident, saying police were closely monitoring the area. He said the Hulol and Homodol tribesmen fought over a disputed land.

It was alleged that a man from Hulol ward identified as Dick None, suffered a serious gunshot wound and admitted to the district hospital. He died later.

Papoto said during his burial at Hulol village, the Homodol villagers provoked the situation, which led to a full-scale fight that resulted in the torching of several houses and destruction of food gardens.

“Twenty policemen from Poroma and Nipa police stations have been deployed to the area to contain the situation,” Papoto said.

He said no further property damage or injuries and deaths were reported from both sides after the police deployment. 

“There are many developments taking place in the province, such as road construction and the installation of power lines to the Nipa-Kutubu districts. The warring tribes must reconcile and let the law take its course,” he said.

Papoto said every village had councillors and community leaders and they must work with the youth and community leaders to help maintain law and order.