Jiwaka MP attacked, escapes unhurt

Anglimp-South Waghi Mp Joe Koim escaped from attack

A JIWAKA MP escaped unhurt after his vehicle was damaged by a group of people in his electorate on Christmas Eve, according to police.

Provincial police commander Supt Joseph Tondop said the incident involving Anglimp-South Waghi MP Joe Koim led to a clash between his political supporters the next day – Christmas. Many were injured.

He said Koim was attacked on Christmas Eve by some people at Aviamp while he was returning to his home at Komun after visiting his road projects at Tuman and Aviamp.

He had stopped to talk to some local leaders at Aviamp when a group of youths set up the roadblock. 

When he approached the roadblock, the youths ordered him to come out of his vehicle with his passengers. 

Sensing trouble, he sped through the roadblock and escaped. But the thugs managed to smash the windscreens of the vehicle.

Koim’s tribesmen who heard about the incident mobilised on Christmas and travelled to Aviamp to confront those involved in the roadblock.

“Policemen were there but they are outnumbered,” he said. Tondop said one man from Komun village was admitted at Hagen Hospital while other people sustained injuries.

“I condemn the attack on the local MP and police will carry out a full investigation and arrest the culprits,” he said.

Tondop said when people attacked a national leader, they were attacking the Government.

 PNG Today/The National