Villagers make peace after 19 years of conflict

A Reconciliation ceremony to unite two factions of the Arutu clan in Central was successfully held at Bomana Training College in Port Moresby last Friday.
This was to end a conflict between parties from Baruni and Tatana villages of the Arutu clan over the deaths of Togiri Mathew and Heni Veidiho of Tatana allegedly killed by a member of the Baruni clan that had created conflict between the parties lasting 19 years.
Baruni United Church chairman and leader of Tatana Peter Rahe representing the victims’ families said addressing the issue would end the conflict and pave way for peace in the community.
Representing the offender was Baruni clan chairman John Maraga, who expressed the same sentiment.
Offender Arua Maraga, 51, who was accused of killing Togiri and Heni of Tatana, pled guilty under the eyes of the law and was sentenced to life in prison of which he had already served 19 years.
“What transpired at that time was triggered by alcohol. I was found guilty have served 19 years already, but the deceased families’ forgiveness through this ceremony is my greatest gift,” he said.
Maraga’s clan presented two pigs worth K4,000 and garden food to mark the peace agreement.
Bomana Training College commandant chief superintendent Haraha Kiddy Keko commended both parties who had come to an accord to stop violence and bring peace to their community.
Keko said prisoners serving long term sentences could be pardoned or granted parole (release license) but these decisions could only be made by the parole board in consultation with the ministry of justice committee.
He said prisoners make peace with the families of those they wronged however that would not mean their sentences were reduced.