Planned protest against vaccines illegal, says Lae police

By JIMMY KALEBE
POLICE in Lae have warned those planning to stage a protest march against the Coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination programme to call it off because it is illegal.
Metropolitan commander Chief Supt Chris Kunyanban said no permit or clearance had been given for the march which had been posted on social media. And even if an application came to his table, he said he would reject it.
“The planned protest has no group or individual (identified to be) spearheading it. People are using fake names on Facebook to spread information about this protest,” Kunyanban said.
The public protest to be staged at Eriku Oval in the city had been the talk of the town this week in Lae.
There is even speculation that members of the PNG Defence Force would be joining the protest.
Chief Supt Kunyanban rubbished the claim saying no members of the disciplined forces would be involved in such illegal events.
“Police will be in full force to face (any protest) and I am urging the public in Lae not to take part,” he said. “(During past) gatherings, we see damage to properties and lives put in danger.
“Law and order issues arise under the cover of such situations.
“So police do not allow these protests.”
He advised people who refused to take the vaccine that it was their right to reject it.
“The Government is clear on that and it is your right to say yes or no,” he said.
“One other option available to the public is to organise a petition and present that to the government instead of taking part in protests.”
He also told the Lae Urban local level government councillors yesterday to conduct awareness in their wards about vaccination and protests.