Northern Governor, Gary Juffa, is calling for an investigation into the death of a landowner at the centre of the portion of land being disputed in Wanigela.
Juffa said John Kunikaz a landowner in Wanigela who has been vocal about the alleged illegal operations by Northern Product Forest Limited was found dead over the weekend, following an alleged assault.
Juffa also called on Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to sideline Forest Minister, Douglas Tomuriesa.
In a media conference, Governor Juffa said the death of the local landowner was highly suspicious given that the deceased had filed a police report stating his life was threatened by what he claims are criminals employed in the illegal operation.
He said the Police must investigate the death as there is now high tension in the area following the death of the landowner.
Juffa said the stance by Minister to defend the alleged illegal operation must also be investigated by the Government and for Tomuriesa to be sidelined.
He reiterated his position that the alleged landowners recognised by Tomuriesa and the PNGFA Board were ‘paper landowners’ who have no legal or historical ownership over the land, and the operations by Northern Product Forest Limited was illegal.