Settlers initiate ceasefire

By PISAI GUMAR
EASTERN Highlands settlers at Kamkumung in Lae, Morobe, protesting at the long-running ethnic tension between rival Wabags and Sepiks, have initiated a ceasefire so peace can prevail.
The Eastern Highlanders have remained neutral but had seen the destruction of lives and properties on both sides throughout the violence.
To bring peace, the Apo’s protested to both sides and negotiated with leaders from the warring parties and church leaders in the area.
With the help of Assemblies of God church (AOG) pastor Clement Vitikut, Wesley Bokolu and Eastern Highlands leader Samoa Tofuya and others, the two-day ceasefire ceremony to lay down arms was held last Saturday and Sunday.  
Vitikut said a church service was held last Saturday with both parties from the respective areas sharing a scripture from Exodus.
On Sunday, the rival groups dressed in their traditional warrior regalia and marched with their weapons to the ceremony venue.
“As the arms were laid down, seven leaders representing women, men, youth, church and ethnic groups were handed a container of water each and after the prayer, the water was poured onto a burning fire as a token to end the violence,” Vitikut said.
The Eastern Highlanders then demarcated boundaries separating Wabags from Sepiks, asking them not to trespass for an indefinite period.
Vitikut said the peace process would be held on Feb 25.
Tofuya said the 15 Block settlers were people from all around the country and the violence could not be entertained so the community took ownership to negotiate peace.
“The prolonged violence has resulted in loss of lives and properties, affecting school children as well as the freedom of movement,” Tofuya said.