Goroka returning to normalcy, police say

By ZACHERY PER
NORMALCY has returned to Goroka town under the watch of a combined police operation, Eastern Highlands police commander Supt Michael Welly says.
“With the tense situation under close police watch, normal business operations have returned and it will soon be business as usual,” he said.
The killing of PNG Ports chief executive officer and Eastern Highlands health authority chairman Fego Kiniafa last Saturday sent the provincial capital into chaos with Independence celebrations and the Goroka show greatly impacted after a dawn attack by Kiniafa’s tribesmen on Monday.
Welly said several homes and properties were burnt down but thankfully no other lives were lost according to reports reaching him yesterday. “If additional police manpower did not come, there could be have been more destruction done and even deaths,” he said.
Welly said police units were manning the entry and exit points into Goroka town this week. They would continue to remain there until the situation had calmed down.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Northern Command Peter Guinness commended the efforts of the police and urged the people of Unggai-Bena and Goroka districts to end hostilities.
Meanwhile, people positing false, insensitive, provocative and disrespectful comments on social media regarding the situation in Goroka will be arrested, says Welly.
“We are doing our best to control a volatile security situation, anyone acting smart by posting negative comments on Facebook pages or WhatsApp groups making negative comments will be arrested,” he said.