There have been three more confirmed deaths from fighting between Mengar villagers and settlers at Murik Basis in the East Sepik provincial town of Wewak.

The three killed this afternoon were part of the Mengar youths who retaliated on Murik Basis settlers in response to this morning’s attack.

Wewak came to a standstill today with all stores, banks, markets closed because of the fight.

The tensions started on Sunday during a volleyball match where a youth leader from Mengar village was killed.

In retaliation, the Mengar villagers killed three Murik youths.

This morning, about 20 to 30 houses at Mengar village were burned down according to local police.

Thousands of Kina worth of properties from both sides have been destroyed with women and children now seeking refuge with relatives.

Peace negotiations by the authorities have so far failed with the Mengar leaders giving the settlers at Murik Basis until this afternoon to vacate their land.

Provincial Police Commander Albert Beli says the situation remains tense with police trying their best to contain the situation.

Mr Beli says the PNG Defence Force soldiers are assisting local police, and he has asked for more help.

Acting Provincial Administrator Samson Torovi says the provincial administration is down with funding to support any emergency police operations to contain the situation.

He says the situation is caused by the restrictions placed on all government accounts by the Ombudsman Commission.

Deputy Governor David Kausik says the restrictions has made the Provincial Government handicapped in terms of funding to assist police in the law and order situation in Wewak.

NBC News – Edward Hagoria (Wewak)

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