Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Daniel Yangen has demanded that the Kandawalin and Lungipin tribes surrender illegal firearms before fulfilling customary peace obligations.
He warned at a reconciliation gathering at Kaekin Pausa last Friday that leaders who breach their peace agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be held accountable.
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Addressing the peace reconciliation gathering, PPC Yangen also warned leaders of both parties that failure to surrender weapons and comply with the MOU would result in accountability measures.
“The lasting peace, restoration, and true accountability for our people will come only if we get away with the gun culture,” PPC Yangen appealed in a statement.
He highlighted the destructive impact of tribal conflicts between Palinau and Yopo in Tsak Valley, which escalated into Middle Lai Constituency, splitting families, displacing communities, claiming lives and destroying property.
“The tribal warfare has brought relentless violence resulting in tragic deaths of thousands of young men. Innocent women, children and elderly have been displaced. Millions in property destroyed. Schools, health centres, churches wiped out,” PPC Yangen stated.
The PPC announced that the National Gun Amnesty Programme would commence in Enga on Monday, November 2, 2026, providing immunity to individuals who voluntarily surrender illegal firearms.
“Surrender these illegal guns before meeting customary obligation with pig and money for reunion. The cycle of destruction in our community is because of the existence of illegal guns,” he urged.
PPC Yangen reiterated that leaders who failed to surrender weapons and breached the MOU would be held accountable.
“If you don’t surrender weapons and breach the MOU, I will hold leaders accountable,” he warned.
Local businessman Meck Lawai presented K65,000 towards customary obligations on behalf of Police Minister and Kompiam-Ambum MP Grand Chief Sir John Pundari.
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Mr. Lawai clarified that the contribution came from his company and Minister Pundari personally, and not from the Police Ministerial Office.
Miok Elite leader and peace advocate Jerry Mangau also contributed 14 live pigs and K3,000 in cash to support the peace process.