POLICE in West New Britain, Papua New Guinea are preparing to enforce tougher action against group violence after Kimbe town and nearby communities were formally designated fighting zones by the provincial peace and good order authorities.
The declaration covers the Kimbe Urban Local Level Government area, along with Wards One and Two of the Talasea LLG, following concerns over escalating clashes and other law-and-order incidents.
Kimbe Mayor Nick Tupi, who chairs the West New Britain Provincial Peace and Good Order Committee, confirmed that the decision was reached at a committee meeting on Monday.
He said authorities were concerned about the safety of residents and people conducting business in the affected areas, particularly those caught up in disputes between rival groups.
“Currently we have a surge in law-and-order issues, specifically inter-group fights in certain sections of the township as well as in the Talasea LLG and our priority now is to ensure the safety of law abiding and tax-paying citizens,” he said.
Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent Steven Harris has instructed officers to implement the Inter-Group Fighting Act as part of the response.
Under the law, police can arrest people who take part in group fights, make preparations to fight or encourage others to engage in violence.
Convictions for fighting can attract jail terms of between two and four years, with cases to be dealt with through the courts.