Warring Hela tribes end four year long fight

Story Post Courier 

The Paipeli and Linapini tribes involved in a fierce tribal fight in Tari yesterday made peace. In an historical turnout, the two factions made peace in the traditional Jiwaka style by breaking sugarcane.

The peace process was brokered by Finance Minister James Marape, and three LLG presidents from Tari Pori, and was made in Minj, Jiwaka Province.

The warring factions also signed an MoU stating there would be no more animosity between them. The fight between the two groups had raged for four years with over 30 deaths including women and children.

Minister Marape thanked Tari mayor Ken Arowi, Aiyapuka LLG president Tomson Paipe, Tagali LLG president Hekala Undialiu, police and the ground working committee for effectively coordinating the peace process.

Tribesmen from both factions travelled down to attend the peace process which ended one of the most notorious tribal warfare in the Hela Province. Mr Marape praised the warring groups for choosing to make peace.

Mr Marape said those responsible for the deaths would bear the responsibility of compensation while normal police investigations would be conducted and arrests would be made after the peace process.

Mr Marape said though the two groups started the fight, outsiders infiltrated and caused more damage. He called on both sides to take responsibility for the deaths and pay compensation within a month. The tribes were told to surrender all illegal firearms and start looking for resources for the compensation.

The Linapini- Paipeli fight was the worst out of 11 others in Tari Pori and Komo Magarima electorates which triggered the Provincial Executive Council to declare Hela a fighting zone and deployed security personnel for special operations.

Jiwaka Police Chief Joseph Tondop who witnessed the ceremony said it signified a new chapter for Tari and Hela Province. He said Hela was the country’s economic backbone and it was a positive step for the province towards peace and prosperity. “Lets organise and prepare for the bigger picture or we might miss out if we continue fighting.” Supt Tondop said.