Papua tribal war

Papua tribal war leaves five dead

JAKARTA: Tribal warfare between rivals in Papua has left five people dead and more than 140 others injured, news reports said Wednesday.

The Moni and rival Dani tribes have clashed with bows and arrows since late February in Papua's Sugapa and Itidipa sub- districts of Paniani regency, 3,690 kilometers northeast of Jakarta, the state-run news agency, Antara, reported.

At least three Danis and two Moni tribesmen were killed in the fighting. Twelve tribesmen have been seriously injured and 133 others slightly wounded.

Local government authorities said the fighting between rival tribesmen broke out after a bridegroom of the Dani tribe failed to pay his bride the price set by the Moni.

Paniai district police chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Anthonius Diance said after intensive negotiations, mediated by local government officials and security officers, leaders from the rival tribes have agreed to end the fighting by signing a peace deal.

In addition to claiming lives from both tribal groups, a number of houses were set on fire, the reports said. -- DPA