Leaders of Watenge clan of the Yambatan tribe in Tsak Valley, Wapenamanda District of Enga Province, submitted a petition to the police hierarchy and Enga Provincial Government on Thursday, demanding an immediate investigation into a deadly security operation.
The petition, received by Highlands Region Western End Commander Joseph Tondop, and acting Provincial Police Commander Kelly Sombe, highlights allegations of excessive force during the enforcement of the Counter Terrorism Act by Police Tactical Group Kumul-23 on January 2, 2026.
The community leaders, led by Councillor Alas Kangual of Alumanda Ward 9, reported that the incident began at 3AM when more than twenty police vehicles arrived while residents were asleep.
Gunfire reportedly lasted until 8AM, during which time five people were killed, and several others were wounded or detained.
Among the deceased were Village Court Magistrate Winis Kaki and his wife Margret Kaki, a primary school teacher.
Also killed were 75-year-old former Councillor Enakawan Kiponge and two young men, Jarnol Taso and Isaac Wia.
Four additional young men between the ages of 18 and 25 are currently receiving treatment for bullet wounds at Mt Hagen Provincial Hospital.
Furthermore, three men; identified as a pastor, a primary school headmaster, and a villager, remain in police custody in Mendi.
The Watenge leaders maintain that their clan has never been involved in tribal fighting and they have questioned the validity of the intelligence reports that led to the raid.
They claim that innocent people were targeted randomly, some from distances of up to 1.5 kilometres, as they moved around in panic.
The petition demands a thorough and independent investigation into the terms of reference for the operation and calls for the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) to facilitate post-mortem examinations for the five victims.
Councillor Kangual also appealed for the release of the detainees, arguing they should not be charged under the Counter Terrorism Act.
The clan is seeking state compensation for the victims and has requested a formal response to their demands within three working days.
In response, Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Tondop expressed his condolences to the grieving families but emphasized that the joint security forces acted on local intelligence to capture persons of interest.
While he maintained that those in custody have the right to clear themselves in court, he assured the clan that police would assist with the post-mortem process.
He further stated that the Enga CID must be allowed to access the incident sites this weekend to assess the situation and ensure law enforcement is held accountable if any wrongdoing is confirmed.
