Minister for Treasury and Member for Kandep, Don Polye, has called for peace in Kandep and Mendi.
As actions speak louder than words, the Minister visited parts of Jiwaka, Mendi and Enga where he gave away over 200 pigs to relatives of those who died during the age old election related violence in the area.
At the peace ceremony, or locally referred to as Bel Kol bung, Minister Polye urged everyone to live in peace and work with him to develop the province.
There were numerous media reports regarding the election – related violence in Kandep District of Enga Province that claimed the lives of close to 100 people and more in 2012.
Along with this, constant calls came from the police for political leaders from the province to resolve their in-house problems especially fighting between supporters of rival candidates.
Supporters of Mr. Polye were said to be involved as well.
The Provincial police hierarchy in the area urged Mr. Polye to return home and talk to his people because they said the fight was between Minister Polye’s supporters and losing candidate, Alfred Manase.
The Minister visited parts of Jiwaka, Hela and Southern Highlands Province to conduct the Bel Kol Bung Peace Ceremonies.
Minister Polye was at Tente Village in Mendi, Southern Highlands where 200 pigs were exchanged between families and relatives of those who died during the election related violence in Kandep.
He said for too long, the people portrayed him as a war lord responsible for handing out fire-arms to his supporters but he said that was a misconception that only added fuel to the fire.
Before Minister Polye departed, he pleaded with the people to forgive him and his supporters for all their wrong-doings.
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