Police stop Student protest

UPNG students protest stopped 

Police Chief of Operations Deputy Commissioner Jim Andrews said due to concerns over public safety and security issues NCD police will not allow students to stage any protest march.

Deputy Commissioner Andrews said the students have also not followed legal and due process of seeking permission in writing to the NCD Law and Order Committee.

“The request must be sent in seven days from date of the planned protest. The NCD Law and Order Committee which is made up of the Governor of NCD Hon Powes Pakop, the City Manager Mr Lester Alu and the NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Chief Superintendent Ben Turi will then meet and deliberate on the request.

“They will allow the protest march to take place on not depending on their assessment of the situation,” Deputy Commissioner Andrews said.

He said whilst the student have their rights, members of the public also have equal if not over-riding rights to law and order, peace and stability.

“I don’t really think the students should get involved at this point in time whilst all these matters are before the courts.

“I urge the students to concentrate on getting an education. That is what your parents sent you to the University in the first place for,” Deputy Commissioner Andrews said.

Deputy Commissioner Andrews said students must not allow them to be used by people with ulterior motives.

Press statement