Police mediate between rival groups after clashes

 THE recent killing and arson in Ruango between settlers and locals is being dealt with by the police while everything else returns to normal, police said.

West New Britain provincial police commander Samson Siguyaru said mediation went well between Western Highland settlers and locals over the killing of an East New Britain man and the burning of properties belonging to the settlers.

The Western Highlands community in Kimbe, gave K10,000 as belkol money to the relatives of the man killed in an alcohol-related violence which disrupted services in Kimbe town.

The settlers presented their petitions to the provincial government, the governor and police, Siguyaru  said.

He appealed to the parties for peace and order in the community.

Western Highlands community spokesman Michael Mel said they wanted to live in peace and harmony with the Ruango and Morokea people. He petitioned the peace and good order committee for redress on the properties burnt.

“The disputing parties agreed to assist the police with the investigation and to let the law take its course,” he said.

Chairman of the Incorporated Landowner Group, Philip Mautu,  and his son, Adam,, the Ward One councillor, assured the Western Highlanders that peace would prevail.

Talasea local level government president Victor Narere said authorities would find out how so many alcohol outlets had appeared in Kimbe.

Siguyaru told the parties that they must uphold the rule of law and abide by the assurances of peace which they had given.  

The killing of the youth and burning down of properties led the imposing of a 21-day alcohol ban in Kimbe town.