Clans hold peace talks to stop fighting in Enga

THE 14 clans of Enga’s Yakan tribe, in Kompiam-Ambum district, held peace talks with police and relevant authorities to stop tribal fighting in the area which started during the 2022 general election.
Local businessman Steven Mase said the peace talk was organised by local council chairman Iso Akoman, Enga police commander Chief Superintendent Fred Yakasa, Wabag Police Station commander Inspector Patrick Peka and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force last week in Wabag.
“To ensure fighting does not spread to the Highlands Highway and other Yakan villages, the Waimalai clan also barricaded the entrance of a newly constructed road as a check point to check and monitor vehicles and people moving into the Yakan Tombem area,” Mase said.
Mase said the politics-related issue had cost more than 3,000 lives and the destruction of property worth millions of kina, and therefore could not be allowed to spread to other parts of the district.
“The tribal fight already affected three villages in Wabag, but my Yakan leaders united and stood firm to stop this evil from spreading. The message is clear – We want peace,” he said.
Mase appealed to Enga governor Sir Peter Ipatas, Wabag MP Dr Lino Tom and the provincial administrator Sandis Tsaka to form a task force to address the fighting among Lait, Kainobrep and Anjin clans and ensure they surrendered and restored peace.
He also acknowledged the actions of local hired gunmen who heard the cries of the Yakan leaders and withdrew from fighting.