Toroama urges Veterans to participate actively in Bougainville’s political process
Bougainville veterans have been urged to create a legacy that justifies their fight for freedom during the Bougainville revolutionary war.
This resounding statement was issued by President Ishmael Toroama during the Annual General Meeting of the Bougainville Veterans Association at Tunuru Parish, Central Bougainville.
“Integration into civilian life is key to you becoming a responsible member of society who can actively participate in our journey to independence for Bougainville,” President Toroama said.
“Let me remind you all that Bougainville’s veterans are an important stakeholder in this journey,” President Toroama declared.
“Let us not become mere spectators in our political journey to independence. We once led this fight at the forefront of the battlefield now it is time we join the ABG to complete this journey,” President Toroama said.
President Toroama said veterans were being shunned because of their complacency and reluctance to actively take part in peace building.
He was vocal in denouncing the support by some veterans in the upsurge of crime in the regional capitals of Buka, Arawa and Buin Towns.
He added that the outstanding weapons in the hands of the veterans should not be used to intimidate the people and cause crimes.
“The process of containing these weapons will begin soon so I must warn certain veterans involved in criminal activities to refrain from doing so,” President Toroama said.
“Let us become responsible for actions, let us continue protect our people, our women, our children and our government as we once did,” President Toroama said.
The President has pledged his support to the veterans to ensure they become an important stakeholder in the post referendum period and the consultations with the National Government.
[ Back to News ]
