Madang unrest 2018

“The immediate dismissal and replacement of the provincial police commander was among the demands raised by the people of Madang in the petition that was presented on April 17,” spokesperson Kamal Naus told Loop PNG.

“A few days after the incident (beheading of the teacher), hooligans gathered at Handy Mart, which is about a hundred metres away from the provincial government office and police station, and started harassing people.

Following the recent unrest where 4 youth were shot dead by police whilst protesting the continuous harassment suffered by locals, a petition was presented to Governor Peter Yama on April 17.

Following the recent unrest where 4 youth were shot dead by police whilst protesting the continuous harassment suffered by locals, a petition was presented to Governor Peter Yama on April 17.

“They never responded to us. For whatever reason, we are still kept in the dark,” spokesperson of the group, Kamal Naus, told Loop PNG.

Acting provincial administrator, John Bivi, said the administration could not respond to the petition in 48 hours as demanded as they will need more time to look into all the demands.

Bivi claimed most of the demands in the petition were politicised and lacked substance.

He said once the committee completes a draft to respond to the petition, they will give it to Governor Peter Yama for his input.

Bivi also said most leaders involved, or who were allegedly seen amongst the crowds during the stand-off, must also be present to answer to some of the demands.

Chief Inspector Ben Neneo wanted an explanation as to why some leaders were seen with the people but were not able to stop them from protesting, which led to a number of deaths and injuries recently.

Neneo said leaders seen among the crowd were Bogia MP Robert Naguri, Usino-Bundi MP Jimmy Uguro and former governor James Yali.

Yama issued the warning to the journalists after receiving a petition from the people of Madang, especially from Bel, Ari and Wagi in the Madang District.

Governor Yama said most times journalists report inaccurate information, causing indifference among the community.

“Look at the current issues. Most times people, especially journalists, turn to social media for information, which is not right.

Locals from Bel, Ari and Wagi gave their petition to Governor Peter Yama yesterday (April 17).

Spokesperson Kamal Naus said four of their youths were shot dead by police and have demanded the provincial government, through their petition, to look into the matter and respond to the query by tomorrow.

The late Sam Gawi, from Ialibu, was viciously attacked and killed on Tuesday, April 3.

The nine-member group made up of his immediate relatives, including two pastors, said they only went to Madang to repatriate the body of their loved one.

They had gone down to request that the head of their relative be returned for them to carry out a decent burial.

Chief Inspector Ben Neneo says police are monitoring specific locations and the highway to make sure the security of the people is maintained.

Neneo however told this newsroom that the situation was also instigated by certain leaders that provoked local people to take part in a protest calling for the removal of settlers.

"I will not allow for a protest until everything is sorted and normalcy is fully restored to the province."

He added that currently mobile squad 13 is monitoring the situation.

The 28-year-old teacher was decapitated on April 3.

This incident ignited a series of events that led to another four deaths and an uprising in Madang which lasted for over three days.

Member for Madang, Bryan Kramer, says according to reports gathered, the late Sam Gawi was targeted.