Solomon Islands police say the finance minister, Snyder Rini, has been man-handled by angry people demanding payments from the government.
The incident happened outside Mr Rini's office on Wednesday.
Police officials say some of the crowd were demanding money for the deaths of their relatives during the ethnic crisis, while others were seeking payments they claim the government owes them.
Over the last few months government officials have come under increased pressure to pay bills it owes organisations, individuals and its own workforce.
Meanwhile, provinces are also waiting to receive their service grants from government to continue providing basic medical and education facilities.
