Following ethnic clashes happening in Moresby Northeast District in the month of September which resulted in three (3) deaths so far, member for Moresby North East and Minister for Environment and Conservation John Kaupa has now condemned these violent acts.

In a press conference Minister Kaupa said he condemned these killings happening between the Hela and the Kagua people and is calling on them to stop such action immediately.

“Moresby North East District is a district in the metropolitan city, and such activity is uncalled for, you cannot go around taking law into your own hands”, Minister Kaupa reiterated.

The incident reportedly stemmed from a confrontation following an alleged theft of a mobile phone at 14-Mile round about, where a man from Purane in Koroba, Hela Province was killed, in retaliation an innocent young man from Imbongu , in Southern Highlands Province was killed in 8mile by relatives of the deceased Koroba man.

Kaupa said the killings must stop and call on political and community leaders from the two provinces to work together with their people to find a peaceful solution.

With the current Settlement to Surburb program underway in the district, the member Kaupa is asking for peace and corporation, and such behavior will raise questions and affect livelihoods of other innocent people.

Kaupa further thanked NCD/Central Police Commander Assistant Commissioner Benjamin Turi for his swift actions which brought in the people of Kagua to surrender to Police at Boroko Police station during the week.

He is now calling on the Leaders of the Hela tribe to also surrender peacefully to Boroko Police station.

 “We cannot let this continue on, therefore I appeal to the Hela Community leaders and those involved to come forward, you must not be reluctant”.

“MNE office will provide logistical support to the police and the leaders from Hela to move around and talk peacefully with those involved and bring them in”.

This needs to end as soon as possible because it is installing fear into the lives of the innocent people living in MNE District.