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wo residents of Paga district, Tolikara regency, Papua, have reportedly been killed in a clash over the distribution of village funds.

One of the victims, David Manipo, reportedly died in a brawl among residents of Paga and Gika districts, while the second victim, who has not been identified, died after the incident due to severe injuries.

“Both victims are residents of Paga. The situation remains tense,” Tolikara Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) head Fery Kogoya said on Sunday.

Fery said at least 95 houses were burned down during the clash, forcing hundreds of residents to leave the area.

He said the agency had difficulty reaching those who required help because of the remote location and a lack of vehicle access.

However, Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Paulus Waterpauw denied that a brawl had occurred in Tolikara, saying districts in the regency were calm.

“Fery just heard it from residents. We will ask him to clarify his fictitious report,” Waterpauw said on Sunday.