9 Sep 2010

Tight security after fatal brawl in PNG's Lae

3:40 pm on 9 September 2010

The University of Technology in the Papua New Guinea city of Lae has increased security following violent clashes between two rival ethnic groups which left a student dead.

A fight broke out at the Taraka campus between students from Sepik and the Highlands a week ago and resulted in one being stabbed to death and two others being admitted to intensive care in hospital.

A university spokesman Abby Yadi says lectures are still on hold as students are afraid of returning for fear of retaliation.

"The university has brought on campus three police units that consist of two mobile squads plus a taskforce unit. These are permanently based on campus. We're providing them with housing to stay on campus until the situation returns to normal. So they are assisting our contracter security guards plus the university's own security personel."

Abby Yadi says the university is trying to broker peace talks between members of two rival ethnic groups in hope that classes can resume on Monday.