Two dead as riots grip PNG city

Liam Fox, PNG correspondent

Last Updated: Mon, 7 Nov 2011 12:07:00 +1100

At least two people are dead and there is widespread destruction in Papua New Guinea's second biggest city after several days of riots.

Trouble in Lae began as a protest last Thursday by local youths angry at what they see as an influx of criminals from the country's Highlands.

But the protest became violent and mobs attacked settlements populated by Highlanders and they looted and burned their homes.

Lae resident Meck Minnala says he has never been so scared.

Rampage

"The rioting was big, they were throwing stones, even in the residential areas even into my residential area," he said. "A stone penetrated my window.

"They were looting just about anything and everything.

"They went on a rampage, bringing the whole city to a halt."

One man was shot and killed by police. The body of another was found in a burnt house.

Police reinforcements have been flown in from around the country.

Authorities say the situation is tense but calm.

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