The PNG Tribal Foundation is calling on police to fast-track investigations into the alleged torching of 25 houses and the displacement of 125 people following a suspicious death on Kairiru Island, East Sepik Province, last April.
President GT Bustin said PNG Tribal Foundation visited the victims in February, spoke with them and conducted awareness on the Sorcery Act alongside Wewak CID police officers. The team also took reports from the victims and raised the matter with relevant authorities, but little progress has been made since then.
The destruction occurred in Rumlal, Surai, Shovir and Sislal villages, forcing families to flee to Wom Village, Wewak town, Maprik and Yangoru, amid fears of further attacks.
The incident has also affected children, with some unable to attend school since their families were displaced.
Last week, Bustin again visited the victims on Wom Island and said there had been no progress in the police investigation.
“Police must do their job so that we can support the case and see the victims return to their land,” he said.
Victim Wilson Peiru said there had been no police presence or investigation since the incident occurred.
“No one has visited or shown any interest in our case, even though it is a serious criminal matter involving the destruction of homes, theft of property and families sustaining serious injuries,” he said.
Mr Bustin added that the displaced families had no land to cultivate, no permanent place to live, and limited opportunities to run businesses and support their families.