CLAN LEADERS ASSURE SAFETY FOR UOG STUDENTS
BY VICKY BAUNKE, in Goroka EHP
CLAN Leaders of the surrounding communities of the University of Goroka have given the assurance to ensure the safety of all students attending the University of Goroka this year following the abrupt closure last year in a confrontation between students and a nearby community in Goroka.
The assurance was given by Asaroiufa Clan leaders Jeffrey Sasuwo and prominent businessman Stanley Gotaha and Okiufa Leader Lesley Hoffman at the North Goroka Primary School yesterday.
The assurance was made before Goroka MP Aiye Tambua who spearheaded a Melanesian way of reconciliation to ensure normalcy as students resume the University of Goroka academic year.
Goroka MP Aiye Tambua said that whilst police investigations into last yearβs incident continues, all parties involved are to respect the process as there will be no room for compromise.
He said there are currently two independent investigations being carried out at the University into last year’s incident one by the DHERST and the other by police.
Goroka MP said one of the long-term solutions to address the ongoing law and order issues at the University of Goroka that his DDA has reached, was for the establishment of a direct police toll free number backed with a new police vehicle to ensure immediate police presence on campus and surrounding communities.
University of Goroka Vice Chancellor Dr. Teng Waninga said the investigation process must be respected and welcomes the outcomes of the investigations and recommendations.
Dr. Waninga said the UOG management will also be assisting in the investigations to see that students also implicated during last year’s incident are being handed to police to ensure that justice process is upheld and both sides.
Eastern Highlands Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Kale thanked the Goroka MP Aiye Tambua and UOG Vice Chancellor, for the initiative taken to work in partnership to tackle the law and order issues at the University of Goroka.
PPC Kale said police would always be there to serve the people despite criticisms and would continue to uphold its duty to the country to protect lives and property.
He said with the Toll free in place students will be able to directly call police with any complaints within and around the surrounding communities with a police Unit on standby to assist.
He also warned students to refrain from alcohol related activities whilst on studies and communities on the illegal sales of alcohol and carrying of dangerous weapons where police will be patrolling and making arrests based on the strict alcohol fines set by police.
