The Hela provincial police commander in Papua New Guinea insists local tribal fighting has settled down.
Young men brandishing bushknives are a common sight in Tari. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
This is despite reports from the Highlands province that deadly fighting in the past ten days has killed three more people, including a student, in Pureni.
The commander, Martin Lakari, said the information may be mere speculation, adding that he hasn't received any report to suggest the deaths occurred.
Dozens of deaths have been caused this year from tribal fighting in Hela, especially in and around its capital Tari.
But according to Mr Lakari, deployment of extra defence force and police mobile officers to Hela has helped stem the fighting.
"Everything is quiet. The tribal fight came to a standstill. No more tribal fights. The place is peaceful. I think Tari... all in all, overall general situation is quiet."