A Clan in PNG's Highlands Seeks K6.3m Compensation Over Tsak Valley Police Raid Deaths

A PNG clan in Enga Province has formally demanded K6.3 million in compensation and called for a commission of inquiry following the deaths of five people during a police operation in Wapenamanda earlier this month.

The petition, submitted by the Watenge clan of the Yambatan tribe from Tsak Valley, was delivered yesterday to the Enga Provincial Government and the Enga Police Command. It was signed by three ward councillors and relatives of the deceased.

 

A Clan in PNG's Highlands Seeks K6.3m Compensation Over Tsak Valley Police Raid Deaths

According to the petition, the police raid took place on January 2 between 3am and 8am, involving members of Kumul Force 23. The clan is demanding an immediate investigation to determine whether police used excessive force, failed to conduct proper risk assessments, or carried out the operation without adequate planning and consultation with local communities.

The document further alleges that villagers were not given sufficient notice before the raid, which was carried out across several locations including Alumanda Ward 9, Raiakama Ward 8, Wakiampos Bridge and Agutamanda/Londo Ward 16.

The clan has also called for a commission of inquiry into the killings and injuries in the Tsak Rural Local Level Government area, while urging the police Criminal Investigation Division to begin investigations within two days of receiving the petition. It further demands that post-mortem examinations be conducted on the five deceased.

In its compensation claim, the petition seeks K1 million for each of the five people killed, K200,000 for each injured person, and K500,000 for livestock and property damage, bringing the total claim to K6.3 million. The clan also wants two detainees currently held at the Mendi police cells to be released.

The petition was received by Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Tondop on behalf of the Police Commissioner, along with officials from the Enga Provincial Government and Enga Police Command.

The Watenge clan also highlighted its long-standing role as a peace mediator in tribal conflicts across Wapenamanda, stating that it had not initiated violence and should not have been targeted during the operation.