A remote Indigenous community in the Northern Territory has been gripped by several days of intense and violent unrest, with police making multiple arrests after responding to large-scale disturbances.
Chaos and Violence Rock Arnhem Land Community
Northern Territory Police were called to a series of 'large disturbances' in Maningrida between January 1 and January 4. Some of these incidents involved crowds of over 200 people, with individuals allegedly armed with weapons. Shocking footage from the community shows brutal assaults, including individuals being thrown to the ground, kicked, and stomped on, while crowds looked on.
During the chaos, young children and women were frequently caught in the middle of the fighting before being forced to flee to safety. In one video, a man is seen repeatedly punching another as over thirty people scream and cheer around them.
Police Response and Community Fallout
Ten people were arrested in connection with the violence. One arrest involved a 31-year-old man charged with recklessly driving through the community, nearly hitting a police vehicle before crashing. One officer was allegedly assaulted and sustained minor injuries that did not require hospital treatment.
NT Police Senior Sergeant Glenn Leafe stated that the fighting is being driven by social media posts and retributions. He emphasised that the majority of the Maningrida community are not involved but suffer negative consequences as vital policing, medical, and other essential services are diverted.
'The disgraceful conduct of these individuals is not representative of the Maningrida community and those involved will be held accountable,' Senior Sergeant Leafe said. Police are working with Traditional Owners and community stakeholders to reduce tensions.
Broader Context of Territory Unrest
The violence in Maningrida, located roughly 500 kilometres east of Darwin, forced the closure of the local council and post office. It follows similar unrest in the region just weeks earlier. Around Christmas, police responded to a fight involving about 40 people in Ramingining, and further violence broke out the prior weekend with offenders allegedly armed with spears.
Additional police resources from Darwin have been deployed to the area, with officers conducting high-visibility patrols. Investigations are ongoing, with several persons of interest identified.
The unrest occurs against the backdrop of the NT government's 'tough on crime' stance. Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has backed policies like lowering the criminal responsibility age to 10 and introducing stricter bail laws. Recent data shows over one per cent of Territorians are imprisoned on any given day, with nearly 90% of those detained being Indigenous—a approach criticised by the UN and human rights groups.
Locals have expressed fear on social media, with one resident calling for prayers for the community and another lamenting that traditional conflict resolution led by elders was not heeded.
