Enga Provincial Governor Sir Peter Ipatas has reaffirmed his support for the National Gun Amnesty initiative, calling on individuals in possession of illegal firearms to voluntarily surrender their weapons.
Sir Peter has also urged the National Government to strengthen policing capacity in Enga Province to ensure lasting peace and stability.
“Illegal firearms must be surrendered voluntarily because they have destroyed a lot of state property and we have lost many lives,” Sir Peter said.
The Governor said his responsibility is not to personally intervene in tribal conflicts, but to ensure the Government provides the necessary support through the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.
He acknowledged the work of Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent Steven Harris and called on communities to cooperate with village court magistrates, ward councillors, and other government representatives to maintain peace.
While welcoming the gun amnesty initiative, Sir Peter said provincial governments had not been formally briefed on the National Executive Council’s decision and called for clearer information on how the program would be implemented.
“Get the message right. No one is against the surrendering of guns. As a government on the ground, we need clear direction on the program,” he said.
The Governor questioned whether the initiative was a voluntary gun surrender program or included a gun buy-back scheme and economic support for individuals who hand in their firearms.
“We do not know whether it is a voluntary surrender or a gun buy-back program. Where is the funding if firearms are to be purchased back? Where are the funds if we are going to support SMEs for those who surrender their weapons?” he asked.
Sir Peter said the Enga Provincial Government has continued investing in law enforcement and believes sustainable peace can only be achieved through a properly resourced police force.
