Reports on tribal fighting ‘sensational’

TARI – In Papua New guinea, Hela province’s acting provincial administrator William Bando said all is not that bad in the resource-rich province in terms of law and order.

Bando was making reference to what he described as “the continued media propaganda and sensationalising of media reports on tribal fighting that is ruining the image of the new Hela Province”.

“Hela Province is safe and all Hela leaders and the majority of the people are dead set for the progress of the new Hela Province,” said Bando.

“I am saddened by these reports as we are not all that bad as it is perceived,” he said.

“Tribal fighting has always been our way of life and will remain our way of conflict resolution in years to come,” he said.

“Some provinces resort to black magic, witchcraft or sorcery to seek justice and our way has always been tribal fighting.

“No amount of money or policemen will curtail this overnight. I appreciate the efforts of our provincial police commander but if anyone thinks Hela will change overnight by the barrel of a gun one must think again,” he added.

Bando said it is an attitude issue and it’s the way conflict is resolved in the Highlands province.