A tribal fight between neighbouring clans at the Simbu/Jiwaka border has reignited the intense emotions in both factions that have remained dormant for the last 2 weeks.
The fight is a renewed conflict from the one that occurred two weeks ago due to election related issues.
Acting Provincial Police Commander, Michael Kapal stated that the fighting occurred in the early hours of this morning, leading to one youth being kidnapped, one death and 3 seriously wounded.
“The Fighting occurred at the border Kumbal Market in Kerowagi district. It’s due to election related issues and the fight stems from after the declaration of the Kerowagi MP,” Kapal said.
At the moment, police from both provinces are monitoring the situation, with personnel being posted to watch over the area.
Due to the severity of the conflict, A/PPC Kapal has sought for assistance from the Assistant Commissioner of Police Highlands Eastern Commander, Rigga Neggi asking for the mobile squad in Mt. Hagen City to assist.
Meanwhile, although not being directly affected by the 7.6 magnitude of the earthquake that happened yesterday.
The Jiwaka Provincial Court has deferred all cases for an indefinite period after a filing cabinet fell onto the three computers containing data for all court files.
“Currently all cases are put on hold. I don’t know for how long but will find out from the Chief Magistrate to determine how long the courts will be closed,” Kapal said.
A/PPC Kapal stated that all three computers were completely damaged during the incident.