Violent ethnic unrest reportedly broke out in the northern Papua New Guinea town of Madang at the weekend.
Madang CBD, Papua New Guinea. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
The Post Courier reports the provincial police commander, Jacob Singura, saying houses and vehicles were destroyed as Sepiks and Western Highlands residents set up roadblocks in the town.
The clash reportedly stemmed from attacks on several public motor vehicles along the North Coast Road.
Mr Singura said the situation in town has been brought under control after police forcefully removed the road blocks.
Additional police have been deployed to Madang from Lae.
The commander admitted that criminal activities in the province have increased because of the growth of settlements.
Condemning the unrest, Madang MP Nixon Duban has appealed to the people of Madang to stop selling land because it will continue to bring more problems to themselves.
