Police warn against protest

 MT HAGEN police have cancelled a protest march planned for today over the political crisis.

The people of Andakelgamb, and ward 7 at Kagamuga, want to stage a march from Dobel to Kagamuga airport from 11am–1pm, to show their support over the fight against corruption.

They wrote to airline companies Air Niugini, Hevilift, Airlines PNG, MAF to notify them of the proposed protest.

Provincial police commander, Supt Martin Lakari intervened yesterday and told the people not to go ahead with their march.

Lakari said the Paul Paraka Lawyers’ payment case was before the court to decide and there was no need for the people to protest and cause disruptions to the flow of traffic on the road and at the airport.

He added that an allegation about official corruption against certain members of parliament was before the court. Lakari said the system of government was functioning as usual and police would not entertain any group with political motives to cause disturbances.

“I do not want any disruption to the movement of vehicles on the road and planes at the airport,” he said.

Lakari urged the people to mind their own business and let the court make its own decision and not take the law into own hands. He said police were on full alert and would closely monitor the situation.

He added that Western Highlanders must continue to maintain order and respect other people coming in and going out of the province as usual.