Tribal conflict leaves villagers homeless

 By PETER ESOP WARI

SCORES of families in Anglimp, Jiwaka, are homeless after their homes were burt by rival tribes in Anglimp, Jiwaka, a week ago.

The families from Kukkane Bongugl tribe are now living in makeshift homes guarded by police who are investigating the incident.

They are blaming the Kuli-Kindembe and Delimbe tribes who are the traditional landowners for burning their homes.

Police said the landowners were angry when they were not given a share of the compensation paid to the Kukkane Bongugl tribe after a girl was killed in a road accident.

Students attending Anglimp Primary School in Jiwaka are among those affected after their school uniforms, books and stationery were lost in the fire.

Spokesman James Umba said workers engaged in carpentry, plumbing and painting could not go to work because their tools were destroyed in the blaze.

He said the families had been badly affected and needed help from people in the province.

“It’s like a nightmare sleeping in makeshift homes and moving around in fear,” he said.

Umba has urged his tribesman to stay calm and let the police resolve the issue peacefully.

Vincent Amis, a carpenter who lost his tools in the fire, said it would be hard to rebuild their homes. 

But they have no choice but to try to help themselves.

“Nearby bushes have been cleared for cash crop planting and building materials would be bought,” he said.

Food gardens were destroyed including 380 coffee trees, pandanus, bananas and young yarr trees. 

He said they had asked the landowners to resolve their grievances peacefully but were ignored.

They have now left the matter to the police.