Police in Hela Province are investigating the recent killings and destruction of a landowner company's base camp in Hides.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Joseph Tondop said it was a serious criminal matter with acts of arson and double murder. 

He also confirmed reports that two people were killed in the fighting and properties and assets belonging to landowner company TransWonderLand Limited got burnt down.

PPC Tondop said the motive as to how and why the incident happened was unclear at this stage. 

He added that he cannot  confirm or deny whether it was related to indifference in the benefit sharing arrangements.

Tondop was  on the ground working on getting more information.

Meanwhile, situation is still tense, as one of the Multi Billion Kina PNG LNG Project sites is threatened by infighting amongst landowners themselves.

Tondop also appealed for peace, respect for government authority and rule of law in the area.