A clash that erupted between two ethnic groups at Lae’s Banana block has resulted in several houses burnt and one man injured.
Chief Segnant, James Luan, says the incident started on Friday afternoon.
It is alleged that the clash erupted when an intoxicated man provoked a number of men from the other faction.
Chief Sergeant, Luan from the China Town police station says the men who were being provoked had retaliated with an attack on the intoxicated man.
The clash escalated when relatives from the two factions joined in the clash.
The the alleged intigator of the fight then stabbed another man using a knife.
The relatives of the man retaliated and burned houses belonging to the relatives of the alleged instigator.
Police went to the settlement area on Saturday morning and managed to stop the fighting.
A reconciliation was held yesterday morning between the groups at the China Town police station.
Leaders from the two groups have agreed to end the fighting, as soon as the alleged instigator is handed over to police and compensation paid to the injured person.
Police have given the relatives 14 days to hand him over.
Earlier this month a similar clash erupted at the Boundary road area.
The clash resulted in the killing of a man, while 20 were seriously injured and several houses torched.
A preventive order was given to the two sides involved to stop fighting and allow the peace reconciliation process to take proceed.
A mediation ceremony will be held again on October 2, to allow both parties time to prepare for the peace.
This is the final step towards restoring peace and normalcy in the area.
