University defends Police actions

The University of Papua New Guinea has defended the actions of Police that opened fire on unarmed university students on Wednesday 8,  saying  police only did what they had to do  to contain the students on campus because their protest march would have been deemed illegal.

A spokesperson said the march which the students planned had not been approved by the peace and good order committee. Therefore, it was the duty of the police to restrain them – which they did. 

The spokesperson confirmed that the first-year male dormitory Talaigu that was burnt on April 1 this year was set alight again Wednesday afternoon. The spokesperson said there was now a heavy police presence on campus to protect properties.

“All the comments that you’ve heard about people being killed are untrue. That’s verified by the executive dean of medical school who checked all the record at the hospitals. There were some students who were injured, some went to the Gerehu clinic and two were actually taken to Port Moresby General Hospital.”

Classes at the main campus are expected to start on Tuesday. The UPNG medical school started class already this week. 

Meanwhile Staff at the UPNG Waigani Campus have resumed normal duties on Friday

following weeks of boycotting by students.

Acting Chancellor Dr. Nicholas Mann told the staff in a meeting this week for staff to resume duties in preparation for the resumption of the academic year next Tuesday.

Dr. Mann noted that a lot has happened in the school over the last weeks and he is expecting a slow start but regardless, the university remains focused on completing the academic year on a good note.

"Classes will resume on the 14th June as planned and I call on the student body to corporate with the school to restore normalcy to the academic year." said Dr. Nicholas Mann.

He has also called on parents to support their kids and encourage them to return to class