Campus curfew planned

THE National Security Advisory Council has recommended to cabinet that a curfew be imposed immediately at the University of PNG and the University of Technology to help police restore order at the campuses.
Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari said soldiers would be called in to support police if the need arose.
The recommendations by the council, which met yesterday, are expected to be discussed by cabinet today. They are in relation to recent incidents at the State university campuses.
“The NSAC has condemned the killing of an innocent student and the destruction of property as acts of barbarity by mindless individuals,” Lupari said.
“The perpetrators of this violence have no respect for the lives of others or the rule of law. They will be brought to justice,” Lupari said.
Unitech first-year student Graham Romanong was attacked with a knife inside his dormitory room by a group of armed men on Saturday night.
Lupari said the curfew at the University of PNG and Unitech was to support police restore law and order on the campuses.
“A call-out of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force is recommended in the event that this is required by police,” Lupari said.
“It is recommended that police immediately conduct an investigation into the death of an innocent student and the destruction of property at both universities.
“It is recommended that police conduct an investigation into the involvement of any people from outside of the universities who have been inciting and encouraging these criminal actions.”
He warned that anyone “manipulating students from behind the scenes”  would be brought to justice.
“The NSAC further warns members of civil society and political leaders that they have a responsibility not to incite student unrest,” Lupari said.
“This conduct of incitement to violence will lead to prosecution by police under existing national laws and, where possible, referral to other relevant leadership bodies.
“The NSCA appeals for calm and common sense. These matters have now become law and order issues and are no longer student issues.”