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Payback killings among tribal factions in Laiagam-Sirunki of Enga Province has resulted in the death of nine (9) people.

The most recent, was just yesterday, Tuesday the 22nd of October when 6 people were killed and two currently fighting for their lives at a hospital.

Acting Assistant Police Commissioner, Joseph Tondop since the first killing in March has been working tirelessly to ensure peace, but it seems peace is not a priority for these clans.

What is most shocking, is that the killings have now gone outside of tribal conflict.

“This sort of revenge killing is unheard of in the history of tribal conflicts in Enga Province where innocent people unrelated to the conflicts were killed,” Tondop said.

Tondop who is also the State of Emergency Controller has now issued several emergency orders including the restriction of vehicles into the Laiagam-Sirunki areas for a month.

The orders are as follows;

· A curfew is now imposed from 4pm to 6am along the affected highways with restricted vehicle movement for one month
· State Security Forces will intensify patrols and maintain a strong presence along the Wabag to Sirunki, Laiagam and Maip Militaka routes

While these emergency orders are in force, the Investigation Task Force team from Pogera will expand its scope to include the most recent attack.

The attacks date back to an unresolved death on the 20th of March 2024, when a man from Mulapin was slashed with machetes (bush knives) and died. According to police, the man was killed at Kulapi 4, near the Open Pit Mine in Pogera.

The suspects are believed to be from the Sakare Clan of Laiagam. Police had commenced investigation into the matter since it occurred and the suspects had gone into hiding.

Almost seven months after the incident took place, on the 11th of October, at around 8am, gunmen from the Mulapin clan ambushed a vehicle packed with passengers from the Sakare Clan, near the Tambitanis Health Centre in Sirunki.

The vehicle transporting a deceased person and relatives were fired upon resulting in the death of a woman.

An hour later on the same day, men from the Sakare Clan retaliated. They shot a PMV driver and his crew at close range. The injured driver and crew managed to reach Laiagam hospital but succumbed to their injuries shortly after.

Police launched an investigation following these brutal payback killings and as part of it’s peace awareness met with the Kunalin and Lyain tribe leaders on Monday 21st of October.

These two tribes were praised by police for advocating peace since 2009.

According to Tondop, they have been actively encouraging their people not to resort to violence but to maintain peace in Enga.

Both the Kunalin and Lyain leaders called for the suspects from both the Sakare and Mulapin clans to surrender to police to ensure peace.

But a turn of events on the 22nd of October, when men from the Lyain tribe, “regrettably” ambushed a 25 seater PMV bus travelling from Wabag to Sirunki, Laiagam and Mulitaka and mercilessly shot at it, killing six people, injuring two.

Seventeen (17) of the passengers are missing. Police have launched a search this morning.

Acting ACP Tondop has appealed to immediate relatives of the deceased to refrain from further escalating the situation.

Any information to help the police with the investigation is welcomed to help fast track the investigation.

In response to escalating tensions and isolated instances of violent confrontations in Enga Province, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has pledged to remain vigilant and strengthen its presence in the region.

This commitment was declared by Acting Commissioner of Police, Dr. Philip Mitna, who also outlined additional support measures to combat domestic terrorism threats.

Reports have indicated a simmering unrest in recent weeks. The RPNGC has been keenly monitoring the situation and is engaging with local leaders to restore peace and order in the affected areas.

Mitna commended the efforts of political leaders in Enga for calling for calm and directly engaging with constituents in volatile areas.

The RPNGC has launched operations aimed at neutralizing criminal elements and ensuring the rule of law is upheld by all.

“Currently on ground we have 120 soldiers and two mobile squads, MS11 and MS 12. Another two squads are ready for deployment on Standby, should anything happen, said Mitna.

ACP Samson Kua has been assigned to lead specialized efforts against criminal elements in Enga.

“So he (Kua) takes charge of Enga, Hela and Southern Highlands. Every operations that charge of Enga will come under him directly, Mitna said.

The police force is executing search warrants against known agitators and continues to investigate. “Our efforts search warrants have been issued. Some are executed, some are yet to be executed. We are going proactive and reactive. Proactive is basically community policing so as part of our strategy is to deploy Engan based officers from NCD back to their province so they can talk to their own people,” Mitna added.

The RPNGC has confirmed the mobilization of additional mobile squads for deployment to Enga. Long-range recon units and other specialist units from the PNGDF have been inserted to provide up-to-date intelligence on criminal activities.

In a significant development, Acting Commissioner Mitna announced the formation of the Kumul 23 Police Tactical Group (PTG), an elite tactical force combining the best of the police and security forces. The Kumul 23 PTG will provide a precision capability to apprehend domestic terrorist ringleaders, dismantle terrorist cells, and target those who direct these terrorists.

In addition, Mitna announced the formation of the Miok Force, a team of 70 Engan policemen and women based in the National Capital District, who will conduct an extensive awareness campaign throughout the province.

The Miok Force members, familiar with local language and customs, will be divided into six teams covering all six districts of the entire Province.

Mitna urged all Engan elites to join the Miok Force team in the awareness campaign, stating “you are either with us and want peace and law and order to prevail, or you are against us.”

Recent: https://insidepng.com/marape-speaks-against-killings/

Prime Minister James Marape says, the Government is currently evaluating the police structure and the role of the defence force in Enga.

Marape said this in response to the recent killing of five suspected hired gunmen in Enga, whose images were widely shared on social media.

The Prime Minister described the act of violence as a case of “jungle justice” and requires a more peaceful and just resolution to the tribal flights and gun violence seen in the province.

“I want to implore the warring tribes of Enga to abandon violence and also denounce the concept of ‘jungle justice,” said Marape.

Marape said the Police Force has been issued explicit directives to decisively address the ongoing tribal disputes in Enga.

“Police Commissioner David Manning has been mandated to intervene in the persistent tribal confrontations in Enga, to quell the escalation of violence, and to apprehend those who persist in armed conflicts,” Marape continued.

On 15th August 2023, Police Chief, David Manning issued an internal circular to police to use lethal force.

The directive Manning issued read;
“I have directed RPNGC personnel to be prepared to deploy lethal force where it is required and reasonable. Commanders are instructed into respective operational orders.”

The continuous tribal flights and killings in Enga has forced airline companies to temporarily suspect flights into Wapenamanda airport.

While condemning the killings Marape said investigations have been conducted into the financiers of these tribal clashes, many of whom reside outside the province of Enga.

“To all warring factions in Enga, I appeal you to relinquish your weapons and allow the peace initiatives initiated by the Enga Provincial Government to progress,” Marape said.

The three month State of Emergency in Enga is still in place.

Related: https://insidepng.com/calls-against-orders/

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