UPNG Protest update

Toropo said it is the job of the Royal PNG Constabulary and his men are not involved. 

He also confirmed that the helicopter circling the University, Rainbow and Gerehu areas yesterday was not commanded by the PNGDF.

Caption: File picture.

National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) journalist Rose Amos was kicked and punched by two police officers at the scene of a confrontation this morning between protesting University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) students and the police.

Speaking in a media conference, Baki gave the assurance that police will be out in full force commencing tonight in a lead up to tomorrow, to ensure that public normalcy in the city comes back.

“This situation has affected our schools, I am now told that the high schools that were supposed to sit their exams today and tomorrow, I understand has been put off. All the schools have closed down.

“I am interest to see that public order and normalcy comes back.”

The statement said reports of deaths due to Police Shootings  were false and misleading.

“There are no deaths or Dead on Arrival (DOA) patients due to Police altercation with University Students at Port Moresby General Hospital.

 “Port Moresby General Hospital’s emergency department confirms there are no deaths of  University Students after the alleged police shooting at the UPNG’s Waigani campus according to the hospital CEO Grant R. Muddle.

“We are receiving reports of university buildings and some houses being set on fire,” Minister Atiyafa said.

“A number of police and private vehicles have been damaged.

“There are also a number of students being intimidated for refusing to take part in protest action because all they want to do is return to classes.

“We know that the ringleaders of the violence are not students.

“Police are now investigating the string of offences that have been committed and arrests will be made.