"fighting zones"?

[pat r]

Can someone tell me about what fighting zones are. I have read in the media where some areas have been declared a "fighting zone". I have two impressions from this one being that the police have greater powers in the area that has been declared. And the second thought I have is the area is so declared in order for warring parties to sort out their differences. If this is not the case is there a provision in PNG either at law or by custom where warring factions can settle their scores away from other persons