Tribal killings alarm people

 A VILLAGE chief in Hela has called on the Government to declare a state of emergency in the province because of continuous tribal fights.

Chief Timothy Hayara said they were fed up with the killings.

Hayara said last Friday at Tari town, a man from the Tapake tribe was killed by men from the Herepe tribe.

Hela police could not be reached to confirm the incident yesterday.

Hayara said there was opposition during the Hela development forum about the state of emergency.

“Those who are against the state of emergency must come up with their reasons. Do they enjoy seeing innocent lives being taken away like this?”

Hayara claimed that people are seen carrying homemade guns and weapons in public places.

“Is it good for us to pretend and say that Hela is still all right? No. We have to come up with an agreement to end tribal fights and maintaining law and order.”

He said many families had been displaced while some of them were killed.

Hayara said Hela was facing a real problem.

“This will be the only solution. Leaders in Hela are calling on the Government declare a state of emergency,” he said.