Public praised for peaceful weekend

By JUNIOR UKAHA
LAE had a “peaceful” weekend despite a huge turnout for the rugby league double-header on Sunday, says Met Supt Anthony Wagambie Jr.
He commended police and soldiers who provided strong security during the game.
Wagambie also commended the public for maintaining peace and order.
“The double-header rugby league game was held peacefully,” he said.
“Lae has a reputation of violence when it came to major sporting events in the past.
“However, this time around, we managed to carry out the operations without any violence erupting.
“A lot of people were outside and wanting to go in at half time, thinking that the management would allow it or a politician would pay for everyone.
“Police and army kept this crowd well away as they posed a threat of gate-crashing by forcing their way in.
“No tear gas was used and no heavy-handed tactics were applied as the security personnel used numbers to counter anything from happening.”
Wagambie said men, women and children of all ages were able to go in and watch the game without harassment and intimidation.
“After the game everyone was able to leave safely,” he said.
Wagambie said this successful security operation showed that security forces in Lae were capable of providing high-level security to any major event in the city.
He had earlier said that the success of this rugby league game in Lae would pave way for the hosting of future games.