By ELIAS LARI, the National PNG

AT least six people were killed and dozens more hospitalised following a fight on the outskirts of the Porgera gold mine in Enga last week.
There was a shooting incident last Wednesday at Kumbipara village in Porgera in which four died, followed by an ambush on the road at Aiyaka in Laiagam.

Of the injured, four were airlifted by the mine’s helicopter to the Sopas Adventist Hospital in Wabag. More than 20 were treated at the mine site clinic.

The rest are admitted at the Paiyam Hospital in Porgera.

It is alleged that violence erupted between two parties from Kandep and Paiyala.

The Kandep faction attacked two men from Paiyala and killed them.

In retaliation the Paiyala men armed themselves and blocked the road at Aumbi.

They ambushed the Kandep community residing in Porgera who were travelling in a convoy of vehicles to go and bury their dead.
Enga police commander Chief Superintendent Joseph Tondop said the ambush was unacceptable.

“I strongly condemn the actions of the suspects who were involved in this cold-blooded murder,” he said.

“This is an inhuman act that will spoil the good name of Enga.

“I appeal to the community leader especially the Walin Tribe and seven ward councillors to surrender the suspects from the Yapal clan to the police.”
Two women were killed in the ambush.

Neighbouring tribes assisted in taking the bodies from the crime scene to Yakend village.

Tondop said some escaped to Sirunki through bush tracks.

“At this point in time I’m yet to confirm the number of survivors plus the number of deaths,” he said.

Meanwhile, the security forces are patrolling the highway from Wabag to ensure no further killings take place.