Local media in Bougainville report that several villages in the upper Konnou are being held captive by militants demanding money.
The militants, who openly brandish guns, have levied locals, demanding compensation from women wearing short trousers, and boys found drinking or smoking.
Helen Hakena of the Leitana Nehan Women's Development Agency says another concern is the pressure the militants place on the Tabago Primary School, which has been forced to close on a number of occasions, if it doesn't pay the militants money.
Ms Hakena spoke with Don Wiseman about the so called compensation being demanded.
Helen Hakena. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
