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By JAMES APA GUMUNO and ZACHERY
PER
SUPPORTERS of two losing candidates contesting the Gumine Open seat in
Simbu province clashed last Saturday after the declaration last Friday.
Supporters of former MP Nick Kuman from the Bomai Galin tribe allegedly
went on a rampage, destroying and torching about 30 houses belonging to
supporters of Samuel Kauba from the Aleku tribe.
James Wai from Dirima in the Gumine district told The National in Mount
Hagen yesterday that the fight started after Mr Kauba’s supporters
allegedly told supporters of Mr Kuman that it was good that they lost
the seat.
Mr Wai, a community leader from Dirima, said what Mr Kauba’s supporters
said to the Bomai Galin tribe did not go down well.
He said the Bomai Galin tribesmen mobilised and attacked the Aleku
tribesmen by burning down their houses and destroying their properties.
No death was reported.
MP-elect Lucas Dekena polled 7,139 votes to unseat Mr Kuman, who polled
6,944 votes.
In another election-related incident in Simbu, supporters of former MP
Peter Waieng and newly elected Member for Kundiawa/Gembogl Joe Mek Teine
allegedly clashed last Saturday resulting in some houses burnt at
Monguma Mountain.
Provincial police commander Supt Joseph Tondop confirmed the two
incidents yesterday afternoon.
Meanwhile, it has also been reported that supporters of losing
candidates in the Gembogl district have removed and destroyed bridge
rails from a bridge in the area.
Jope Nina from Gembogl told The National that people transitting through
the strongholds of the losing candidates had also been attacked.
Mr Nina said the head teacher of Mt Wilhelm High School was forced to
turn back with school materials and supplies from Womatne by supporters
of a losing candidate.
On Sunday, two houses near Watabung government station in Eastern
Highlands province were also burnt down.
In the Kasena area in the upper Asaro area of Daulo district, two
warring clans clashed resulting in several houses burnt down with
properties including coffee trees and gardens destroyed.
Police reported no deaths, however, tension in these areas remains high
and Asaro police are monitoring the situation.
 
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