Man injured, properties burnt

By CLIVE HAWIGEN
A MAN was seriously injured and several houses and a vehicle were burnt down as violence erupted in Kainantu town last Saturday.
The violence erupted following an ethic clash between youths from Agarabi and Kamano.
It was also reported that the Koianti settlement at the back of Kainantu High School and the town’s main market were completely destroyed.
According to eyewitnesses, the fight started between two coffee buyers, who were from Agarabi and Kingkio in the Kompri valley respectively.
The argument was over coffee sales.
Kamano youths tried to intervene to stop the fight but were taken on by the Agarabi tribesmen, provoking the fight.
An eyewitness said some of the Agarabi tribesmen were under the influence of liquor.
Commuters travelling the Highlands Highway said they were horrified to see youths chasing each other with knives and other weapons.
They said police did everything in their power to stop the fight but were overpowered by the rampaging mob.
Acting Eastern Highlands provincial police commander Chief Insp David Seine said he was aware of the incident but has yet to get a full report on the incident.