Warring tribes lay down arms for peace in Kandep

By ELIAS LARI
ENGA’s Kandep electorate is regaining nomalcy after tribal fighting stopped as warring tribes conceded that chaotic situations had prevented people from accessing basic services like health, education and development.
The two warring tribes, Komai and Kapus, agreed last Tuesday to stop fighting and urged the law and order team and police to help facilitate a peace reconciliation process.
Leaders from both sides marched their tribesmen fully armed with rifles, bush knives and bows and arrows, staging war cries to Kandep station and laid down their arms under the escort of police and soldiers.
Enga police commander Chief Supt Joseph Tondop, who witnessed the event, praised them for setting a good precedence.
Tondop acknowledged both parties for setting a good example so others could follow to do away with tribal fighting.
He told them to stand firm on their decision and accept changes and developments under the stable leadership of Governor Sir Peter Ipatas.
“I am here since day one to stop this fight because I am concerned for you and the future of the children of Kandep.
“If you send your children to school with the mentality of fighting, the direct result is they will fund tribal fights after completing their studies and in the work force,” he said.
“We must change this kind of mentality and say no to tribal fighting and build a safer community.
“We shall teach our children the right values of life to become better citizens of tomorrow.”
Tondop said basic services like schools, health centres and businesses that closed during the chaotic situation would reopen in a week or two .
He said Kandep will be a better place if only people change their “Stone Age” mentality of fighting and stay away from someone else’s problem.
The Kandep fighting started when the two warring tribes clashed over Kokas High School and the station.
Fighting erupted again on Aug 26 when a woman, who had two husbands, sparked a clash that spilled over the entire community and surrounding the station.
As a result, services like schools were shut down. Nine people were killed, food gardens, trees and houses were destroyed.