By GABRIEL KATUHO
National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has championed the Highlands peace campaign 2025 -2027 to address the ongoing violence and advocate on peace.
Governor Parkop who is also the chairman of the special parliamentary committee on Gender based violence (GBV) and sorcery accusation related violence (SARV) is working closely with National council of women, Shield PNG (Centre for Armed Violence Reduction), Former PNGDF Commander and Team Leader Small Arms Survey Major General Jerry Singirok, the United Nations and other foundations to ensure this campaign gain its fruition.
As the tribal fighting moves into modern era with bows and arrows turned into guns and modern warfare artillery, discussions were made surrounding how those guns were brought into the hands of the war lords.
It has now being traced back to the business people and politicians living in Towns and cities who were said to supplying guns to the unfortunate people in the village forcing them into tribal warfare while they sleep soundly and enjoy luxury with their families in hotels and nice houses.
This insight to a whole breakdown to Small Arms Survey made by Former PNGDF Commander and Team Leader Small Arms Survey Major General Jerry Singirok spotlighted the unaddressed reality that is happening right in front of the legislators and law enforcers.
Mr Singirok found out in his survey that some of the guns that end up to the hands of the tribal rivals are sold by the disciplinary force (Defence, Police and CIS) in the Highlands region.
He also pointed out that the newly constructed root 700 under connect PNG is one of the unmonitored roots for drug trafficking and arms trading. He said there is no police presence in that area making it a safe-haven for the illegal activity to happen freely.
While recapping on the Bougainville crisis that lost 20,000 lives as one of the worst civil wars in the history of the country, he said Highlands tribal fighting issues can be put to stop but the people responsible are not doing enough.
He said as a former commander that if this issue is not addressed holistically this country is heading the wrong direction and needs constructive approach.
Shield PNG executive director Alister Gee pointed out strategies and plans to identify and eradicate warlords and ensure justice is served to the innocent who are victimized by the conflicts.
Shield PNG will be working closely with the security forces feeding vital information and upgraded data and technology to ensure the supply chain of guns is cut off and harder panel ties be applied to those instigators.
Mr Gee said: “Warlords your time is over, we are coming for you.”
Barbara Toiya, the coordinator Highlands Peace Campaign and interim general secretary for the National Council of Women expressed her gratitude to Governor Parkop for taking the lead in this campaign.
She highlighted the experiences encountered in line of duty and is grateful governor is finally spearheading the peace campaign.