Police and Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) Joint efforts have stabilized the escalating tribal violence at the New Porgera Mine site in Enga Province.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Western End and State of Emergency (SOE) Controller Joseph Tondop, has confirmed that Police and PNGDF on ground in Porgera have secured stability.
ACP Tondop told PNG HAUSBUNG that the PNGDF have deployed a company consisting of three platoons to work alongside three Police Mobile Squad Units (MSU) to ensure normalcy and peace in the Porgera Valley. He emphasized that this is excessive but adequate given the history of the violence in Porgera.
While no arrests have been made in connection to the fight, ACP Tondop emphasized that the ringleaders and key players are known to authorities and will be approached for a resolution.
Tondop expressed the importance of engaging with the clan leaders to address the root cause of the conflict.
“We want to bring all the leaders together for a conference and explain why such fights are detrimental. The Mine pit is a prohibited area, and any activities are at individuals’ own risk,” he stated.
ACP Tondop warned against extending violence to the broader community and urging local leaders to prioritize peace, highlighting the risks posed by the ongoing clashes.
With the New Porgera Mine remaining as a combative zone, ACP Tondop emphasized that illegal activities only escalate the situation.
Efforts are ongoing to establish effective communication and ensuring peace, with ACP Tondop maintaining a firm stance against the perpetrators and committing to safeguarding public safety in the region.