RELATIVES DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR DECEASED POLICE

BY Vicky BAUNKE in Goroka EHP

EASTERN Highlands Governor Simon Sia has received a petition from relatives of the two police officers who were murdered whilst on duty in Mendi in the recent months.

Earlier today the relatives barricaded sections of the Highlands Highway for almost 12 hours prior to presenting their petition.

The petition demands the National government to address the issue of policemen being killed during line of duty in the Upper Highlands totalling up to 20 so far and for a directive from the Prime Minister for special care and attention to be given to police, law enforcement officers and other workers serving the people and state.

The relatives have also demanded the Southern Highlands government and police for the arrest of those involved in the attack of Late Constable Harry Gorano and the arrest of shooter involved in the death of Late Constable Harry Biape in Mendi Southern Highlands Province on January 14th this year.

The demands included surrendering of weapons seized from the MS 11 members and to identify and apprehend owners of illegal firearms used in the attack.

Demands made to the police Commissioner includes a proper investigation into the death of Late Constable Harry Gorano who later succumbed to death after sustaining injuries and also for the guaranteed safety of the 2 surviving MS 11 members as state witnesses to assist in police investigations.

The petition has been received by Eastern Highlands Governor Simon Sia between 12 and 1pm at 5mile along the Highway in Goroka today.

Mr Sia while addressing the relatives said he will be personally taking up the petition to the Southern Highlands Governor as Governor to Governor, the Mendi Munihu MP, the police Minister and the Prime Minister as per the concerns of the people.

He assured the relatives that communication have already been established and are waiting for them to respond according.

Meanwhile, Goroka Police station Commander Chief Inspector Timothy Pomoso said while he understood the frustrations and concerns of the people, an understanding has been reached that once the petition is being presented to the government, normalcy in the flow of traffic must be restored.

Mr Pomoso also issued a warning to those travelling along the highway in the Daulo and 5mile sections of the Highway to take extra precautions pending the response from the government.

He said police presence has been maintained while extra police manpower has been called in from Mt Hagen and the MS 14 to take control of the situation in Goroka.

He has warned that opportunists taking advantage of the situation to attack travellers or vehicle and other offences will be arrested and dealt with accordingly by police.