Six injured in clash between tribes

At least six people were seriously injured when a clash erupted between two groups in Kwamki Lama district in the Papua regency of Mimika at about 3 p.m. Jakarta time Monday.

The wounded warriors were rushed to Mitra Masyarakat Hospital. Local police intervened the fight, attempting to broker a peace talk between the warring groups. Dozens of police were seen standing on guard after order was restored.

Deputy Mimika Police chief Comr. Jeremias Rontini said the conflict erupted due to an unpaid compensation demanded by the downstream village for a rape that was allegedly committed by a man from the upstream village.

Clashes between groups are rampant in Mimika, home to one of the world's richest gold mines. A protracted conflict killed 18 people in 2006. Another conflict between groups in Kwamki Lama claimed eight lives in 2007.