7 shot in revenge attack in Mt Hagen
High powered gun, Getty images |
The attack happened in a PMV bus. The three men killed were from different tribes in Wurup, Anglimp District of Jiwaka Province.
They were allegedly shot by armed men from Keltiga village in the Mt Hagen District.
Police reported that the killing was a revenge attack by maternal uncles of a young man from the Dani tribe who was killed by Mannga tribesmen last month.
Jiwaka police said peace negotiations between the Dani and Mannga tribes who were involved in a bitter tribal clash a couple of years ago were in progress when the Mannga tribe killed the young man.
The victim, identified as Kraip Luk Kond, is believed to be the lead gunman of the Dani tribe and was sought after by his tribal enemies. He was hiding in his maternal relatives place when word was sent for him to return and prepare for the peace process when he was gunned down and chopped to pieces.
Provincial police commander Joseph Tondop yesterday said the victim’s remains were buried in his mother’s village.
His uncles, armed themselves with high powered weapons and ambushed a 25 seater PMV bus heading for Wurup with some men from the Mannga tribe in it.
The driver and two others were killed instantly when the bus was sprayed with bullets. Four others are fighting for their lives at the Mt Hagen General Hospital.
All the three killed were from the Mimi, Roni and another Mannga tribe not involved in the fighting.
Peace negotiations headed by Chief Superintendent Tondop, local MP Komun Joe Koim and Governor William Tongamp to stop the fighting following the massacre of some six people two years ago was in progress when the murders occurred.
PPC Tondop and other Jiwaka leaders have called for peace and appealed to leaders in the Wurup area to prevent further killings and stop the animosity from escalating.
MP Koim, who made available K50,000 for peace process, pleaded for the tribes in Wurup to stop further bloodshed and destruction. Post Courier/PNG Today
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