UN condemns killings in Enga

THE United Nations (UN) has strongly condemned the killing of 53 persons in Enga, saying the increasing use of modern weapons “exacerbates the tribal fighting”.
UN Resident Coordinator in PNG Richard Howard, said they were calling for an immediate cessation of violence.
“The increasing use of modern weapons exacerbates the tribal fights and their impact on human lives,” he said.
“The mass killing of 53 persons in Enga on Sunday, by far the deadliest in recent years, is a case in point.”
Expressing shock over the photos and video depicting the mass killings, Howard urged all parties to immediately cease fighting.
He called on authorities to fully investigate the killings with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The UN also called for concrete steps to limit the growing ownership and use of small weapons in PNG, especially in the Highlands region.
He said the UN was willing to support the Government in addressing long-standing issues with an ever-increasing illicit flow of arms.
“We remain committed to assist the Government in eliminating tribal violence and to bring lasting peace in the Highlands,” he said.

Massacre prompts MP to call for SoE

By REBECCA KUKU
SUNDAY’s massacre of more than 50 persons has prompted Wapenamanda MP Mikki Kaeok to call for a State of Emergency (SoE) in Enga.
He said the ongoing battles between the combined Sikin and Kaekin tribes and the Ambulin had spilled into the neighbouring Wabag.
Kaeok also called on Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas and all MPs from the province to rally behind his call for the SoE to be declared.
He said tribal fighting in Enga had advanced into guerilla-type warfare.
“We now have gunmen being hired and brought in from all parts of the province. This is bad.
“The Wapenamanda District Development Authority is doing the best it can but both factions are ignorant and refuse to negotiate for peace.”
Kaeok said the continuous engagement of hired gunmen, supported by leaders and the educated elites from the warring factions, makes it necessary for a Government intervention.
“Businessmen, leaders and the educated elites are supplying guns, bullets and financing the engagement of gunmen.
“They must be identified, investigated and prosecuted as necessary.
“They are financing and supplying guns and ammunitions to these tribesmen, and the hired guns.”
Kaeok also called for existing laws to be amended to ensure those involved in instigating tribal fights to be prosecuted and imprisoned for life.

Legislation set to strengthen law

By ANTOINETTE POIVI
POLICE Commissioner David Manning says legislation is being introduced to Parliament to strengthen the law enforcement capacity of the security forces.
“With the increased number of illegal firearms in circulation, tougher measures are required particularly in bringing domestic terrorists, including weapons smugglers to justice,” he said.
Manning said the security forces planned to isolate fighting zones and restore law and order.
“This includes the deployment of the police mobile unit personnel and Defence Force soldiers,” he said.
“These personnel have clear instructions that are to use any level of force required to prevent further violence and payback.”
He urged leaders to use their influence to stop the violence.
Manning said stopping further tension was a challenge because of the ongoing violence between the tribes.
“These ethnic fights stem from wicked people who in the end cause the deaths of their own people when they (instigate) a fight,” he said.
He commended the Wabag security personnel who managed to end the hostilities on Sunday.
“They did what they were trained to do and served with distinction. I commend them.”
Manning described the proposed domestic terrorism legislation as an urgent legislative reform.
“This legislation will criminalise acts of domestic terrorism, the financing and incitement of domestic terrorists and provide police with enhanced surveillance.
“The act will also provide for the establishment of special policing zone to cover Enga, Hela and Southern Highlands.”