The United Nations (UN) has condemned the recent mass killing of 53 individuals in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea (PNG), highlighting the concerning trend of increased use of modern weapons exacerbating tribal conflicts. Richard Howard, UN Resident Coordinator in PNG, expressed grave concern over the escalation of violence and emphasized the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities. He stated, "The increasing use of modern weapons exacerbates the tribal fights and their impact on human lives. The mass killing of 53 persons in Enga on Sunday, by far the deadliest in recent years, is a case in point." Shocked by the disturbing visuals depicting the tragic incident, Howard urged all involved parties to halt the fighting immediately. Additionally, he called upon authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the killings to bring the perpetrators to justice. Beyond addressing the immediate crisis, the UN called for concrete measures to curb the rising ownership and use of small weapons in PNG, particularly in the Highlands region. Howard emphasized the UN's willingness to support the government in tackling longstanding issues related to the illicit flow of arms. "We remain committed to assisting the government in eliminating tribal violence and bringing lasting peace to the Highlands," Howard affirmed, highlighting the UN's dedication to collaborating with the PNG government in resolving these critical issues. Meanwhile, Sunday's massacre of more than 50 persons in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea, has prompted Wapenamanda MP Mikki Kaeok to call for a State of Emergency (SoE) in the region. Kaeok expressed deep concern as the battles between the combined Sikin and Kaekin tribes and the Ambulin spilled over into the neighboring Wabag. Highlighting the severity of the situation, Kaeok urged Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas and all MPs from the province to support his call for the declaration of a State of Emergency. He noted that tribal fighting in Enga had evolved into guerilla-type warfare, with hired gunmen being brought in from various parts of the province, exacerbating the conflict. "The Wapenamanda District Development Authority is doing the best it can, but both factions are ignorant and refuse to negotiate for peace," Kaeok lamented, emphasizing the need for government intervention. The MP went on to assert that the continuous engagement of hired gunmen, backed by leaders and educated elites from the warring factions, necessitates urgent government action. Kaeok called for the identification, investigation, and prosecution of individuals, including businessmen and leaders, supplying guns, bullets, and financing the engagement of gunmen. "They must be identified, investigated, and prosecuted as necessary. They are financing and supplying guns and ammunitions to these tribesmen, and the hired guns," Kaeok declared, urging a crackdown on those contributing to the violence. Kaeok also advocated for the amendment of existing laws to ensure that individuals involved in instigating tribal conflicts face prosecution and life imprisonment. His call for a State of Emergency and government intervention comes amid growing concerns over the escalating violence and the need for decisive action to restore peace in the region. Also read
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