Police to man UPNG campuses

The academic senate of the University of Papua New Guinea has sought help from the police to restore normalcy on campus.

In a circular released this afternoon, UPNG vice-chancellor Professor Albert Mellam said: “Police presence will be witnessed on the Waigani and Taurama campuses due to the increased activities by some students that borders on criminality.

“Police is called upon to perform its constitutional duty to protect lives and properties, and will discharge this accordingly at the University of Papua New Guinea as well.”

The statement was met with frustration from the student body.

A big group surrounded a staff as she was leaving the main campus for home. The students demanded a forum with the VC and registrar this evening.

“We are not criminals,” a student told Loop PNG.

“We didn’t break any laws. Our only intention was not to attend class.”

The staff told Loop that she didn’t fear for her life because the students were only after the VC and registrar.

The road leading to the main campus has now been blocked off with drums, tree branches and a soccer goal post taken from the nearby field.

A group of students are now manning the blockade.

Author: 
Carmella Gware