'FRUSTRATED women in Papua New Guinea's Highland region are killing their male babies to end a tribal fight that has warred for more than 20 years.

Two women from the Eastern Highlands told the PNG's National newspaper of the slaughter during a three-day peace and reconciliation course in the region's capital Goroka.

Rona Luke and Kipiyona Belas, each from two warring tribes, said the male infanticide reduces the cyclical pay back violence infamous in Highlands tribal fights.

If women stopped producing males their tribe's stock would go down and this would force the men to end their fight, they said choking back tears.

"All the women folk agreed to have all babies born killed because they have had enough of men engaging in tribal conflicts and bringing misery to them,'' Luke said.

The women could not give a figure on how many male babies had been killed in the cull.

Belas said getting food was hard as husbands kept fighting and mothers and kids were left to fend for themselves.

The Salvation Army is working with various tribes to bring peace to the warring groups, one particular fight continues after starting in 1986 over sorcery claims.

The Salvation Army told AAP women are so fed-up with the on-going violence they are taking the drastic steps.

"This is what we were told during the peace conference,'' he said.

"This situation shows the extreme frustration the women have with the men in these areas,'' a spokesman said. "

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24732398-2703,00.html

wonder if muslims might follow a good example there ?

That's very, very sad, but you can understand their rationale.  Most women don't fight on such a destructive level and although there would certainly be bloodshed - in most instances it wouldn't cause death or permanent disability.

They will need to set up a sperm bank ASAP - although it would be hard to attract donors under those circumstances.

mantra - yes, it is tragically sad.

women the world over are generally the pacifists.