At least thirty people have died in shootouts between hundreds of tribal warriors in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, according to authorities on Monday. Security personnel have been granted emergency powers to put an end to the carnage.
According to police, the conflict began in August after “illegal miners” seriously injured a landowner in the Porgera Valley, which is home to one of the biggest gold mines in Papua New Guinea.
According to police commander Joseph Tondop, after peace negotiations broke down, there were 300 rounds fired on Sunday alone as a result of the fierce tribal warfare.
According to the police, “many” homes had been set on fire, thirty men had been killed amongst the warring clans, and hundreds of women and children had been forced to flee.
According to Tondop, two officials died as well when they were waiting for a ride home after work.
“Lethal force” would be employed, according to Police Commissioner David Manning, to reestablish order in the remote highlands area.
In a statement over the weekend, Manning stated, “Put simply, this means you will be shot if you raise a weapon in a public place or to threaten another person.”
“This deteriorating situation has been caused by illegal miners and illegal settlers who are victimising traditional landowners and using violence to terrorise local communities.”
According to the police, Sakar clan illicit miners had been trespassing on competitor Piande land.
Manning declared that he would drive out the artisanal miners from the valley and that alcohol sales would no longer be permitted. He also instituted an evening curfew.
In the highlands of Papua New Guinea, tribal wars are common, but the introduction of automatic weapons has made them more deadly.
According to authorities, the presence of over “100 high-powered weapons in the wrong hands” had intensified the most recent round of violence.
Along the route that leads to the mine, security teams have set up shop and are using loudspeakers to announce peaceful messages.
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