PNG Police Minister Robert Atiyafa

Atiyafa made this comment following statements issued by Goroka MP Bire Kimisopa in Parliament on Wednesday over “rogue police”.

Kimisopa also questioned why cases have to be “vetted” by the Police Commissioner before any arrest is made.

“It is naïve and perhaps mischievous for the Member for Goroka to make such an inference,” said Atiyafa.

“To start off with, Mr Kimisopa should know that not all police investigations are sanctioned by the Police Commissioner and this vetting process is not a new creation by Police Commissioner Gari Baki.

Today, four individuals were arrested and charged at the UPNG campus.

“The activities of these remaining few are no longer student issues but law and order issues,” Minister Atiyafa said.

“Most students are ready to go back to class, but there are people, mainly non-students, acting under the influence of alcohol, who are breaking the law and obstructing these students.

“This is now a law and order situation and the law will be enforced.

“My message to the students is that you have the law on your side to return to class so do not be intimidated.