Police in Enga province have arrested a 65-year-old man in Wapenamanda District for allegedly producing and circulating false and inflammatory information that authorities say risked escalating tribal tensions.

The Acting Enga Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector Kelly Sombe, confirmed that the accused, Steven Puliplya of the Ambulin Tribe, was taken into custody following complaints from community leaders in Minama Constituency.

Chief Inspector Sombe said Puliplya allegedly circulated a voice audio recording accusing the Pyapin Clan of the Wauni Tribe of harbouring and assisting armed men from the Palinau Tribe.

The audio, spoken in Engan vernacular, also allegedly made claims that members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force were supplying weapons and ammunition to certain tribes involved in ongoing conflicts.

He said leaders from the Wauni Tribe reported the matter to the Minamb Peace and Security Foundation, which then referred the complaint to police for investigation.

Chief Inspector Sombe described the alleged actions as a dangerous smear campaign that could incite hatred and further violence between communities already affected by conflict.

Police arrested Puliplya in Wapenamanda on Tuesday and transported him to Wabag, where he was cautioned, charged, and detained at the police station.

He has been charged with cyber harassment under Section 23(1)(a) of the Cyber Crime Act and is expected to appear in court.

Chief Inspector Sombe warned that spreading false information on social media is a criminal offence and said police would take action when complaints are supported by evidence.

He also appealed to communities in Wapenamanda to refrain from sharing unverified texts, audio recordings, and videos on social media, saying such actions undermine efforts to restore peace and good order in Enga Province.

The Acting Provincial Police Commander commended officers for their swift response following the complaint.