Arabic version: اضطرابات في أرلبارا تدفع إلى المطالبة بحظر تجول واستجابة شرطية
According to ABC News, unrest in Arlparra, in the Urapuntja Homelands of the Northern Territory, has escalated since September 19, prompting calls for a curfew and a strengthened, sustained police presence. Barkly Regional Council Mayor Sid Vashist wrote to Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and Police Commissioner Martin Dole urging additional measures to stabilise the situation.
Urapuntja Aboriginal Corporation has temporarily suspended non-essential services after violence in and around the community. Chief executive Jim Stacey said a female staff member and her two children took shelter in their car while she was shopping at the local store when violence erupted. He said the perpetrators were estimated to number about 50 and were armed with traditional weapons.
The corporation initially closed its public offices, administration centre, family centre and art centre for 48 hours. After a further incident described by Mr Stacey as a “hostile raid on the Arlparra community”, it extended the closure of all non-essential services. Essential services were continuing under two-person, two-car security arrangements.
NT Police said about 50 people travelled from a nearby community to Arlparra on Tuesday evening. Police said a 67-year-old Arlparra man was allegedly assaulted before planned discussions between elders from the two communities. He was treated at the Arlparra Clinic before being medically evacuated to Alice Springs Hospital. Police said they had sent additional resources from Harts Range and Alice Springs to assist local officers and work with community members to restore calm.
Mr Vashist proposed an immediate increase in police numbers, specialist or tactical resources, a sustained presence and consideration of a localised curfew. Member for Barkly Steve Edgington said police and government staff would meet representatives of the National Indigenous Australians Agency and Central Land Council as police continued working with elders and community leaders to de-escalate tensions.
