9 Feb 2008

PNG police help bring calm to Mt Hagen after ethnic violence kills six

12:01 pm on 9 February 2008

Additional police personnel deployed to Western Highlands province in Papua New Guinea, have helped bring calm to the streets of the capital, Mt Hagen.

Six people have been confirmed dead as a result of violent clashes since the weekend between Jiga tribesman and Mt Hagen city settlers who are predominantly from Enga.

Police Commissioner Gary Baki has been in the capital of Highlands province for the past two days along with other police commanders and PNG's Internal Security Minister in an effort to tackle the street violence that started last weekend.

Commissioner Baki says the provincial administration is holding peace negotiations between the clashing tribes

He's satisfied with how the situation has been handled by police.

"Because I think we have sufficient people here that would cater for any situation that might come up. Two mobile squads have been flown in frm outside to assist - probably an additional 7- personnel. Things have been stabilised, the place is actually quiet, because of the number of people killed."

Gary Baki.