The Peace Restoration Committee that was set up in the Southern Highlands Province after election violence disrupted the livelihood of communities and displaced families, today organized an appeal in Mendi for assistance in the restoring the town to what it was prior to the elections. Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector Daniel Yangen advised that the “Wheel Barrow Push,” was organized by the whole compound communities who fell victim to election violence, are appealing to the public for any form of assistance with police providing security for the people. “What they have done is, informed the people of Mendi Town and the rest of SHP to come together and assist with relief funds for the victims. At the same time organize a forum for the people in the presence of the Vice Minister of State Owned Enterprises and Mendi-Munihu Open Member, Rapael Tonpi was present to hear the people,” PPC Yangen stated. He added that unfortunately they could not continue their program due to bad weather, with the Vice minister not having the chance to address his people. Yangen went on to state that representatives from the public sector in SHP, such as the Hospital, Banks, the utilities such as PNG Power and himself all urged the people to refrain from violence and to stand firm to bring Mendi back to peace and normalcy. The PPC is now urging the people to surrender their firearms, stating that this is the first move towards peace.