Authorities have restored calm in Kiunga after a large crowd attempted to attack Highlander residents and damage property following a series of fatal road incidents involving members of the Yongom and Nomad communities.

Officer Commanding Delta Company, 1RPIR, Captain Roderick Kambual, said more than 100 people from the Nomad area of Western Province entered Kiunga on Monday morning intending to force Highlanders out of the town.

Captain Kambual said the crowd's actions were linked to two separate fatal incidents involving alleged drunk driving in recent weeks, in which two members of the Yongom tribe lost their lives.

"The group came into town targeting Highlanders. They were protesting and wanted Highlanders removed from Kiunga because of the recent deaths," he said.

He explained that community leaders had initially encouraged those affected to follow the proper legal process by presenting their grievances through a petition rather than resorting to violence.

However, tensions escalated again after a member of the Nomad community was allegedly struck in a separate incident on Sunday, prompting another group to mobilise.

Captain Kambual said authorities, together with police and local leaders, intervened before the crowd could destroy homes or attack residents.

"We managed to calm the situation and stopped the crowd before they could damage property or attack people. We advised them to use the proper channels to resolve their grievances," he said.

He said some members of the crowd also attempted to reach the police station, believing the suspect connected to one of the incidents was being held there. Others allegedly headed towards the suspect's residence with the intention of burning the house and harming the suspect's relatives.

Authorities responded quickly to both locations, dispersing the crowd before any major violence occurred.

Captain Kambual said police, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, provincial authorities and the town mayor worked together to address the concerns raised by the protesters and restore order.

While the immediate situation has stabilised, he warned that tensions remain.

"The situation is calm now, but it could escalate if more support comes from surrounding communities. We are continuing to monitor the situation and are prepared to respond if necessary," Captain Kambual said.

Authorities remain on standby in Kiunga as the situation continues to be monitored to prevent any further outbreaks of violence.