Ethnic clash results in burning of homes

 AN ethnic clash between two tribes in Lae last week resulted in the burning of three homes and people suffering injuries, police say.

The fight was between the Menyamya and Kabum tribes, according to Lae Metropolitan police commander Supt Iven Lakatani.

He said the clash occurred a few miles from the Malahang Industrial Centre.

Lakatani said the cause of the fight had not been established yet. But it is believed an argument between two people escalated into the clash with their respective tribes taking sides.

He said three people were being treated at the Angau General Hospital for wounds sustained during the clash.

Lakatani said the situation had since cooled down after police officers managed to talk to both groups last week.

Lakatani has commended youths from the LBM settlement who are carrying out community awareness on law and order problems in settlements.

“The LBM settlement, once a notorious community, has seen changes as a result of police partnering with the church and the community,” he said.

“The church took on board most of the youths involved in crime and are rehabilitating them. The youths are now  carrying out community awareness.

“They have been effective in convincing other youths in other communities to not get involved in illegal activities.”