Police had to use force after a rowdy crowd disrupted another People’s National Congress Party rally, this time in Hela Province.
The rally was led by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his PNC Hela candidates, with the incumbent member for Tari-Pori and Finance Minister James Marape.
Reports on the ground say the Prime Minister was quickly whisked to safety when the crowd started throwing stones at each other, forcing the police to fire teargas.
The Hela Provincial Police Commander, Michael Welly, has confirmed the reports.
However, the PM’s officials say it is a minor incident between supporters of rival candidates.
This is the third reported disruption from the public at PNC rallies.
Similar incidents were reported in Manus and Goroka last week.
(Loop file pic)
Related article:
Police break up rowdy crowd at PNC rally http://bit.ly/2tk7XDc