Violence erupts in WNB settlements

VIOLENCE erupted between two major settlements in West New Britain province at the weekend, resulting in two young men being hospitalised with injuries.
Provincial police commander Supt Richard Mulou said yesterday the first fight occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning when two youths from the Kulungi area were allegedly attacked by drunkards from the Laleki settlement.
The two youths had gone into the Laleki settlement to visit friends when they were assaulted, Supt Mulou said.
He said the two  received deep knife wounds to parts of their body.
Supt Mulou said their relatives then mobilised and raided Laleki, burning down two kitchens and chopped down banana trees and anything in sight.
The wounded youths were admitted to the Kimbe General Hospital where they were treated and discharged.
Police reported another fight at Wandaro settlement on Saturday afternoon between residents at the settlement and Kandrian villagers.
Supt Mulou said it was still not confirmed what sparked the conflict.
He said there were no injuries and damages reported.
The situation was tense in Kimbe town yesterday but police were patrolling the areas to maintain law and order and prevent possible fights.
Supt Mulou has again appealed to the public in the province not to take the law into their own hands.