Madang Town Mayor Joe Yama has called on the Western Highlanders and the Sepiks to lay down their weapons and respect the constitution of the country.
Most of the all, respect the peace-loving people of Madang.
He says the ethnic clash has caused properties worth millions of kina and lives of innocent people. It is unwarranted for and must come to an end.
The clash has frightened tourists, businesses and innocent citizens of Madang town and it paints a bad picture of Madang.
Yama has called on the authorities, especially the Madang provincial assembly of law and order and the provincial government, to immediately address this issue without delay.
If the situation had been attended to at the first instance, it wouldn’t have blown up like this. Yama strongly condemned the authorities concerned.
He also appealed to Madang Governor Jim Kas and elected MPs for Madang, including community leaders, to work together to address this issue rather than point fingers.
Yama further appealed to the youths along North Coast Road and Airport road to clear all road blocks and not to touch passing vehicles and people.
He apologises to the business houses and people of Madang.