PM O’Neill Condemns attack on Student at UNITECH curfew to be imposed on campuses

The Prime Minister,. Peter O’Neill has extended the nation’s condolences and sympathies following the death of a student at the hands of thugs at the UNITECH campus in Lae overnight. PM O’Neill said Cabinet will discuss the imposition of a curfew on campuses to ensure safety and the respect for law and order. “The attack on this young man was an act of brutality and an innocent life has been lost,” the Prime Minister said.

 “I would like to extend the condolences of the nation to the family of this man and our commitment to see those responsible brought to justice.

“The cruelty of what happened last night is very disturbing. “The thugs responsible will be identified by police and they will be charged. “It is believed there were people involved from outside the campus and police will follow every lead in this case.

“If there were students involved, regardless of how much or how little they were involved, they are clearly not fit to be in our tertiary education system." The Prime Minister further called on all members of civil society to condemn such acts of violence and to work together.

“All of this nonsense with people interfering in student affairs is a serious problem for our country. “Students should not become political footballs and we must all work through these issues. “Our priority must be to get our young people back to school and all involved must respect the rule of law.” The Prime Minister said the National Executive Council will discuss options this week that will ease tensions and ensure safety for all.

 “A curfew needs to be imposed on affected campuses and strict controls must be in place to ensure that only students, staff and people with a legitimate reason to be there are able to visit campuses. “The curfew is intended to maintain law and order, and protect the lives of people and property at the universities.  "This will further allow for normal classes to resume. “A new police controller will also be in place to ensure order and normalcy can be restored to campuses."