‘Re-opening mine would start war’ -Post Courier

ME'EKAMUI defence force self-styled general Chris Uma has warned that the re-opening of the Panguna mine would start another war on Bougainville. Mr Uma said the mine would remain closed until Bougainville gained independence and broke away from PNG. Pointing to the giant mine pit Mr Uma warned: “If you’re talking of re-opening the mine, you’re talking about war. The silent majority of the people don’t want mining on Bougainville and politicians must not use peoples’ names in order to re-open or start up any mining on the island. Me’ekamui represents the bulk of population who are in the villages throughout Bougainville. These are the silent majority who are carefully monitoring the government’s move on any issue on the island, and mining issue is no exception". Mr Uma said there was no consultation with the people and leaders were talking as if they owned the land. “Leaders who are talking about mining don’t represent the interests of the people but represent themselves. This kind of attitude from leaders has been ongoing in the National and provincial government and now the practice is the same within ABG. Leaders got elected into parliament and instead of presenting their peoples’ views to governments, they were fooled by foreigners who think of nothing but making money using people’s resources. The leaders then push for their interests only".