This handout picture released by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary on February 19, 2024 shows officials patrolling near the town of Wabag, 600 kilometres northwest of the capital Port Moresby. Photo: AFP PHOTO / ROYAL PAPAU NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARY
Papua New Guinea's Commissioner of Police David Manning has met with police commanders and local leaders and administrators in Enga Province and says the situation on the ground has "returned to relative normalcy with no renewed fighting".
But police are not dropping their guard, he said.
He has also given all defence force members deployed to Enga, Hela and Southern Highlands Province (SHP), the authority to make arrests, and where required, to discharge their weapons to save innocent lives and people's property.
Commissioner Manning said any further attempt to cause trouble would be "dealt with harshly, and any tribesman who raises a weapon will more than likely be shot by security forces".
"We have had the opportunity to review operational plans for enhancing security engagement in Enga and this is what you could call peace enforcement operation."
Manning said he has appointed PNGDF members deployed to Enga, Hela and SHP as special constables.
"This gives soldiers the power and protection they need to do their jobs, including the authority to make arrests and where required, to discharge their weapons to save innocent lives and people's property."
He said "acts of barbaric violence that took place...demand a hard response".
"It is also clear that those killed and the bodies recovered by police were not innocent bystanders, but were hired guns who kill for money.
"There is no sorrow for a domestic terrorist who gets killed and our concern is for the welfare of the innocent who just want ot like a safe life."
He said police can confirm 49 bodies have been recovered, but it is possible more will be found.
Engaging with community leaders
Manning said police and local officials continue to engage with community leaders following the violence.
He said preventing further tension is a challenge due to generations of fighting that have gone on between these tribes.
"This is where local leaders are key to preventing any further flareups of violence."
He said community leaders have to step up work with police to identify the ringleaders.
"This is a partnership between police and communities and when community leaders provide information we can act on ti and go after the culprits and bring them down."
Commissioner said there has been dicussions at the provincial level on the need for a domestic terrorism legislation that is due before Parliament.
"The Police Minister has been clear that we must move forward with the Domestic Terrorism Act that is an urgent legislative reform.
"This legislation wil criminalise acts of Domestic Terrorism, the financing and incitement of domestic terrorists, and provide police with enhanced surveillance.
The proposed legislation will also provide for the establishment of Special Policing Zone to cover Enga, Hela and SHP, he said.
"In Enga we further discussed the spread of illegal weapons ni the province, and the view from the ground on increased measures we can deploy to intercept the traffickers."
