Reports from Kiribati say a man has been killed and six houses have been burnt down in a clash on the island of Butaritari.
Radio Kiribati says the violence erupted over a decision by the council of Temankunuea village which some people refused to accept.
No further details about the origin of the dispute are known but a 20-strong police riot squad is on the scene.
Reports say the police fired warning shots in a bid to end the protests.
Church leaders as well as the secretary in the president's office have flown to the island in a bid to calm the situation.
