A riot causing unrest at three Malaguna villages near Rabaul town in East New Britain (ENB) was put to rest after the two fighting groups decided to reconcile and restore peace and normalcy.
ENB Provincial Administrator Wilson Matava who is also the chairman of the Provincial Law and Order Committee on Thursday, April 1 commended both factions for laying down their weapons and deciding to make peace.
He said the fight which began last Thursday until last Tuesday had limited the freedom of people to move around especially women and children.
“Every time there is an issue we stop business from going ahead and we should stop from this nonsense. Everybody must reconcile and if there are other issues we must utilize our existing government structures in our wards,” he said.
Mr Matava said fighting was not an answer to any conflicts and people, especially the youths needed to change.
He said no one wins in a fight and it leaves with a negative impact that affects the lives of people and communities.
“Youths, we must take up our roles in the communities and participate in more youth and community programs and parents must step up and be more concerned about our children. It’s time for us to change.
“This week is Holy Week and it is a chance for us to reflect on our individual behavior in the community,” Mr Matava said.
He thanked Rabaul town mayor Changol Manuai, Toma Vunadidir LLG President Robert Mati who represented the Gazelle MP and Health Minister Jelta Wong, Kombiu LLG president Michael Warium, police personnel, private security personnel, ward members and youths for seeing the importance of the occasion.
Mr Mati on behalf of the Gazelle District Development Authority donated food rations to affected communities saying Gazelle relies on port services based in Rabaul district and commended locals for opening the main freeway road again.