Inter-tribal Violence in Papua New Guinea, 64 People Reported Killed

JAKARTA - As many as 64 people were reported killed in inter-tribal violence that occurred in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. According to a Papua New Guinea police spokesperson, Sunday, February 18, the victims died following a tribal dispute in Enga Province at the weekend.

It is known that the highlands of Papua New Guinea have long been troubled by inter-tribal violence, with the death toll this time being the highest in recent years.

The circulation of illegal firearms is thought to make inter-tribal clashes more deadly, and increase the cycle of violence.

Police said they began collecting bodies at the scene near the town of Wabag, about 600 km northwest of the capital Port Moresby.

“This is the biggest (killing) I've ever seen in Enga, probably in the whole of the Highlands,” Acting Papua New Guinea Police Officer George Kakas told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

"We are all grieving. This is very difficult to understand."

Police received videos and photos from the scene showing bodies being loaded into trucks.

Increasing tribal conflicts, often related to land and property issues, caused Enga to close for three months last July. Police imposed a curfew and travel restrictions.

Enga Governor Peter Ipatas said there were signs of fighting at the scene. In this area, there are 17 tribes that often clash with each other. This condition has made the region dependent on security forces to maintain peace.

Australia, which is Papua New Guinea's closest ally, said the news of the killing was very disturbing.

"We provide great support, especially for the training of police and security officers in Papua New Guinea," said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a radio interview on Monday.