Ethnic clash results in full hospital

 THE Modilon Hospital in Madang has been kept busy treating victims of a tribal fight between Sepik settlers at the Gavstore settlement and Biwat camp near Madang airport. 

Police tried their best to stop the fight in which spears, guns and arrows were used.

Police criminal investigations division officer-in-charge, Steven Yalamu said they tried to stop the fight but the Sepiks ignored them.

He said police officers fired warning shots but it failed to deter them.

Two men from Gavstore were taken to the hospital to be treated for facial injuries. Some of the injuries were caused by small pieces of iron fired from catapult-like weapons. 

One man had his right arm pierced with a spear.

David Imava, a Biwat leader, said the fight began on Wednesday after a row between youths from the two groups. 

Casper Kandamali, from Biwat, said it was not the first time the two groups had clashed.

“This is the eighth time we are fighting. Community leaders from both sides should solve this problem once and for all,’’ Kandamali said.