By Chondok Stephen Magei
The Koch County Commissioner has denied ordering forceful resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Pakur Payam where they fled years of insecurity.
Daniel Deng Mayiel, the spokesperson for the Koch County Commissioner on Thursday said that the resettlement is being done on voluntary basis contrary to earlier allegations by some critics that it was forceful.
“The community had agreed with the commissioner’s idea of resettlement only that some politicians from state level and national level are the one creating the tension,” said Mayiel in an interview with Juba Echo in Koch town.
Several of these people were displaced from Pakur Payam and settled in Pachuol village of Gany Payam in Koch County following fighting between government forces and Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in opposition forces.
Pakur Payam borders Mayom County and Tonj East County of Warrap State.
“There is no reason for them to settle in other areas when the situation is calm, we need South Sudan national census to find them in their areas so that they will have their own population,” said Mayiel.
The IDPs are hesitant to return to their homes over fears that communities from neighboring Tonj East and Mayom areas may raid their cattle and loot property.
