Central students return home

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Source:
The National,Thursday June 30th, 2016

 By TAUNA GEORGE 
MORE than 80 students from Central province studying at the University of Technology in Lae returned home on Tuesday following the killing of a student and destruction of university properties last weekend.
The students arrived on different flights and were met at the Jacksons airport by Central deputy governor Desmond Baira and provincial administrator Gei Raga.
Raga told parents and guardians, who were present at the airport that the Central administration was thankful for the help provided by the congregation of the Cassowary United Church in Lae.
Raga said the congregation accommodated the students last weekend.
“Their generosity prevented our students from being injured in the fight,” he said.
“That’s the kind of assistance needed from everyone during such times of need.”
Raga said the administration had acted quickly by bringing the students home for their safety.
He added that it was unfortunate their studies had been disrupted by the campus violence.
Baira said the Central students had become victims of the prolonged student protest.
He pleaded to political and civil society leaders to work together to find lasting solutions so that classes could resume at Unitech.
Meanwhile, parent Dick Niara criticised National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop and the MotuKoita Assembly chairman Opao Udia for being absent at the airport yesterday.
“Some of our children live in NCD while others are from the MotuKoita area.
“Therefore, it is proper that those two men show up and receive them,” he said.