Clash leaves four dead

FOUR people have died and at least 15 houses burnt during fighting that started over a week ago between the people of Eastern Highlands and Chimbu in Lae.
The fight started on Nov 2 after a man from Chimbu allegedly stabbed three men reportedly from Eastern Highlands.
Two were pronounced dead and the third is at Angau General Hospital with serious injuries.
People from opposite sides of Bumbu River at Nawaeb Block and Pikus, Boinamo Gravel and Kuasu settlements at Kamkumung confronted each other after the incident.
On Saturday, two men from each side were killed. Bringing the total number of people dead from the fight to four.
The fight resulted in displacement of people, many wounded and houses were torched.
Some houses along the Bumbu River were burnt and other properties destroyed while students and working people were affected.
According to acting Lae Met Supt Chief Insp Chris Kunyanban police had tried their best to contain the situation.
He said police were outnumbered, down in manpower and some of their vehicles were faulty but they had gone to lengths to quell the situation.
Community leaders from each side are working to contain the situation as well.
Ahi local level government ward 15 law and order chairman Plankus Miamel said the situation would not have been like it was had it been reported to police in the first place.
Attempts to get comment from Nawaeb Block community leaders were unsuccessful. A source from Nawaeb Block, who asked not to be named, said leaders at Nawaeb Block were working to maintain order in the community.