Lae protest disrupts businesses

 By PISAI GUMAR

PMV bus owners in Lae staged a protest yesterday causing a disruption to the movement of people to work and school.

The protest was in response to the burning of PMV buses last week by members of the public in retaliation to the death of student Kewa Michael who was allegedly attacked by a bus driver and crew.

Bus drivers yesterday refused to take passengers fearing further retaliation by the people.

Bus stops in the city were crowded with people waiting to go home after work and school. Some were dropped off by company vehicles. 

Lae police Supt Operations Fred Kaiwa said the PMV bus crew and a relative had been arrested. 

They are waiting for the driver was to surrender. 

Kaiwa said police had identified the PMV bus owner.

He said the damage to a buses at the Unitech gate yesterday morning was caused by Engans, who were still angry over the student’s death.

“The situation is still tense and I am here at Bumayong (5pm) to hold a meeting with community leaders to assure them that the suspects were detained therefore the community should cooperate with police to allow buses to operate,” Kaiwa said.

On Sunday, Bumayong leaders approached Morobe Governor Kelly Naru and the provincial administration to provide funding assistance to Morobeans who were prepared to operate city PMV bus services.

The appeal was made through provincial law and order chairman Peter Namus and community policing coordinator Peter Gorek.