Madang police issue stern warning to settlers

Police in Madang have issued a stern warning to settlers at Mero and Public Tank to refrain from causing further problems to the traveling public, or they will face imminent eviction.

Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim issued the warning this morning following disturbances along this section of the north coast highway yesterday and this morning, disrupting the flow of traffic.

The killing of a man from Ramu by elements of the Wosera community on Tuesday has sparked off what police say was a ‘retaliatory attack’ yesterday by Ramu settlers.

Police managed to contain the situation yesterday, however; tension escalated again overnight when police left the area.

PPC Baim warns police will execute forceful eviction on the settlers should any further problems arise in this particular area.

He says the same settlers have been repeatedly causing problems around this area, disturbing peace in the community and disrupting innocent commuters along the north coast highway.

Acting Superintendent Baim confirmed with NBC News this morning that the road is now free for commuters and traffic flow is now back to normal.

Police are, however; closely monitoring the situation.

He was unable to give the details of the circumstances surrounding the killing as he is yet to be furnished a full report by police investigators.