ALCOHOL VIOLENCE ON THE RISE IN LAE

By Martha LOUIS

Police in Lae are concerned about the rising number of ethnic clashes, many of which are being fueled by alcohol consumption and long-standing tensions between different groups in the city.

Lae Metropolitan Commander Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban said while police continue to intervene, ethnic violence remains a recurring issue, particularly in settlements and suburban areas.

“We continue to talk about these issues, but the violence keeps happening. Alcohol plays a major role in escalating tensions, leading to fights that sometimes result in serious injuries or deaths,” Kunyanban said.

He urged community leaders and families to take more responsibility in preventing unnecessary conflicts. “People need to control their drinking habits and think about the safety of others. Too often, fights break out over minor disputes that could have been resolved peacefully,” he said.

Kunyanban also encouraged people to seek legal avenues instead of resorting to violence. “We ask people to take their grievances to court rather than settling them through violent means. However, the outcomes in court are beyond our control,” he said.

He added that ethnic violence does not only affect those directly involved but also disrupts businesses, schools, and the general public. “These fights don’t just impact the people involved. They create fear and instability across the city,” he said.

Police are increasing patrols in high-risk areas and working with community leaders to address ongoing tensions. Authorities are also calling on residents to report potential conflicts before they turn violent.

“We need cooperation from the public. Preventing ethnic violence is a shared responsibility,” Kunyanban said.