The leaders and people of Hela province have been given credit for their effort in surrendering illegal firearms and choosing peace.

Prime Minister James Marape has commended Hela Governor Philip Undialu for his leadership in addressing the proliferation of Illegal Firearms in Hela Province, saying the progress being made demonstrates what can be achieved when Government, community leaders and the people work together to restore Peace and Law and Order.

Marape said the voluntary surrender of high-powered Firearms in Hela was an important step in the Marape-Rosso Government’s broader drive to remove Illegal Guns from communities, particularly in parts of the Highlands that have experienced tribal fighting and gun-related violence.

Recent Gun Surrender activities in Hela have seen dozens of Illegal Firearms handed over, including high-powered weapons, as communities respond to the Government’s Gun Amnesty Programme.

“I want to commend Governor Philip Undialu for his leadership and the work he is doing in Hela in getting our people to return Guns and choose Peace,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“I also commend our people and the tribes who have returned their Guns. You have made the right decision. Having returned these Guns, let us not go back to them. Let us anchor Peace in our communities.”

The Prime Minister called on Community Leaders, Churches, Councillors, Youth Leaders and Tribal Leaders throughout Hela to rally behind Governor Undialu and the Provincial Government’s Peace initiatives.

“The National Government, our Districts and our Provincial leadership must work together so that the Surrender of Guns is not simply the end of one process, but the beginning of a better life for our people,” he said.

The Prime Minister said his Tari-Pori District Development Authority would continue complementing the work of the Hela Provincial Government by connecting people who surrender Firearms with opportunities in Education, Training, SMEs and other productive activities.

He said particular attention should be given to young people who have previously been caught up in tribal fighting and gun related activities, giving them alternative pathways through second-chance education, institutions such as the Hope Institute, skills training and SME opportunities.