PORT MORESBY: 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 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 payback violence infamous in Highlands tribal fights.