PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea: The tribal violence in Papua New Guinea has claimed sixty-four lives, the police said on Sunday.
According to Police Commissioner David Manning officers and soldiers had found the bodies of 64 men.
He said that the men are believed to be killed near the town of Wabag, some 600 kilometres away from the capital Port Moresby.
The actual circumstances of the deaths were not clear initial, but police said there had been reports of heavy gunfighting in the area. The tragic incident is believed to be linked to a conflict between Sikin and Kaekin tribesmen.
Police have also received graphic videos and photos of the scene showing stripped and bloodied bodies lying by the side of the road near a truck.
Highland clans have fought with each other in Papua New Guinea for centuries, but the use of automatic weapons has made clashes deadly and increased the violence.
Papua New Guinea’s government has tried to control the violence with suppression, mediation, amnesties and other strategies but with little success.
About 100 troops of the military had also been deployed to the violence-hit area, but their impact has been limited.
The killings regularly take place in remote communities, with members of different clans launching raids or ambushes in revenge for past attacks.
The murders are extremely violent, with victims burned, mutilated, or tortured.
Opponents of Prime Minister James Marape’s government have sought deployment of more police in the affected area or the force’s commissioner resign.