Magarima youths appeal for mass ‘Gun Surrender Program’

As Papua New Guinea embarks on its journey into the next 50 years of independence, celebrations in the Magarima District took an impressive turn, displaying an important call for peace and disarmament.

On the second day of district-wide celebrations, a youth group from Wapulaka village, aptly named the Wapulaka Defence Force, captivated the assembled crowd with a performance carrying a powerful message.

Judges, tasked with evaluating the various cultural displays, were fascinated by the group's presentation. When questioned about the nature and purpose of their performance, the group leader explained a clear and urgent appeal.

"As PNG moves into its next five decades as a nation," the leader stated, "Our display is an urgent call to individuals holding high-powered guns in Hela Province, used in past years, to surrender them to the PNG Defence Force and the police."

The group emphasized the devastating impact of illegal firearms, admitting that the build-up of firearms has led to hundreds of people losing their lives and properties, with innocent mothers, children, and the elderly forced to seek refuge elsewhere.

While commending the efforts of the police and the PNG Defence Force in maintaining peace within the province, the Wapulaka Defence Force reiterated their strong support for a formal Gun Surrender program.

This initiative, they stated, was publicly announced yesterday by Governor Philip Undialu during his celebratory address at the station.