WW2 still haunts villagers of Mlia

 CONGRATULATIONS to Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare for being awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun by the government of Japan.  

This was in recognition of the promotion of good relations between the two governments.  

It is hoped that this relationship continues by PNG inviting Japanese investors to invest in the manufacturing and infrastructure development sectors and increase education for our children. 

Japan has shown remorse for atrocities committed during World War 2. 

If records are preserved, it would be good to read about how WW2 affected Papua New Guineans. 

It is intriguing to know that Japanese troops based in the Sepik River survived on limited rations, wild taro stumps, green pawpaw, coconuts and sago. 

For villages that suffered losses at the hands of the Japanese, the facts might be concealed. But oral history of WW2 atrocities is still being told.

There was a village called "Mlia" in Yuat LLG in Angoram.

Oral history is passed on about the entire Mlia village’s men being massacred and buried in a mass grave. 

There was an incident that happened not to the liking of the Japanese troops based in Biwat village.

Some young men who worked for the Japanese troops betrayed the men of Mlia village. 

The villagers were rounded up and ordered to dig a mass grave.  They were then blindfolded and chopped to death. 

Perhaps the national museum has something on this hidden fact. 

 The children and grandchildren of the remnants of Mlia village still live to tell this horrific story. 

MM Ondassa

NCD