Supporters of incumbent Rev Ben Mike were reluctant to allow the "newly-appointed principal" John Teklau Kaupa to take office at the college in Warasimbu, a mere 2km east of the provincial capital Kundiawa.
The supporters, mostly youths, blocked the entrance to the college saying they were not happy with the appointment of Kaupa, a high school principal and a former lecturer at STC.
Kaupa was unable to enter the college on that day due to the commotion and the tense situation on the ground.