THE Southern Highlands Provincial Government has thrown its full support behind the national government’s gun amnesty program, warning that the widespread presence of illegal firearms is threatening the province’s future.
During the Second Provincial Assembly meeting, provincial leaders debated the initiative and passed resolutions supporting the amnesty program. Leaders are now calling on all individuals in possession of unlicensed firearms to voluntarily surrender them to police before the amnesty period expires.
Southern Highlands Governor William Powi urged leaders, public servants, businesspeople, and educated elites to lead by example.
“If we have guns everywhere, we don’t have a future in this province. Gun surrender is the way forward,” Governor Powi said.
The Governor dismissed traditional peace ceremonies held after tribal fighting as ineffective, saying they come too late after destruction has already occurred.
“Peace ceremonies after tribal fights have no meaning. Damage has already been done. We must be proactive in our approach for peace and stability in this province,” he stated.
Governor Powi stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable members of society and creating a peaceful future for the province.
“We must protect our young ones, protect our mothers and sisters, and build a province where we can all live in peace,” he said.
He also warned that ongoing development efforts would be undermined if illegal firearms continued to circulate.
“The great development ideas we have, the infrastructure we are building-all those things won’t last. Guns will bring destruction if we continue to have them,” Powi added.
Deputy Administrator for Law and Order, Dr. Emmanuel Kumpio Andrew, reinforced the Governor’s message, saying leaders and public servants must be the first to surrender any illegal firearms in their possession.
Dr. Andrew revealed that he had formally written to ACP Superintendent Joseph Tondop, confirming the provincial administration’s commitment to working closely with police and other law enforcement agencies during the amnesty period.
He also announced that a Provincial Gun Amnesty Committee has already been established to coordinate awareness campaigns and support law enforcement efforts aimed at encouraging the public to surrender illegal weapons.
Governor Powi issued a final warning to those still holding unlicensed firearms, urging them to surrender their weapons before the amnesty period ends.
“Once this period is over, police will utilize their powers and technology to track down and arrest anyone found with illegal firearms,” he warned.
All Local Level Government (LLG) presidents across the province have backed the Governor’s call and pledged to support the initiative.
The gun amnesty program is being viewed as a major step toward reducing tribal violence and restoring long-term peace and stability in one of Papua New Guinea’s most resource-rich yet conflict-affected provinces.