Protesting University of Goroka students shot at by Police

Two University of Goroka students have been hospitalized with gunshot wounds.

One of them is the Students Representative Council President, Chris Ambai.

This followed a protest march by the students into Goroka town at about 11 o'clock this morning.

Police say the march was illegal in that approval was not given and tried to stop the students when stones were thrown at police who then fired shots to disperse the crowd.

According to reports from Goroka  Ambai and another student were seriously injured and will remain under observation at the Goroka Base Hospital.

Several other students were treated and discharged. The rest of the student body are back in campus.

Police say five student leaders have been locked up and whether they are charged or not will depend on a meeting between police and the university administration.

Police say the students issues are to do with the university administration and should be dealt with on campus, not on the streets.

The students have been boycotting classes for several weeks in protest over the termination of seven students who had spearheaded an earlier boycott this year.

They also want UOG Vice Chancellor Dr. Gairo Onagi sacked over allegations of maladministration.