Security boosted in Kundiawa for Gumine petition ruling

By ELIAS LARI
SECURITY in Kundiawa town in Chimbu has been boosted since yesterday to protect properties and prevent any violence when the ruling of the election petition for Gumine electorate is handed down.
Mt Hagen-based police mobile squad 6 and Jiwaka police were there yesterday to ensure business was normal when people were to be told of the court decision for the open seat held by Nick Kuman and challenged by petitioner Lucas Dekena.
Assistant commissioner of police, eastern end, Nema Mondia, deputy Benjamin Turi and Jiwaka police commander Horim Piamia were in Kundiawa to boost the work of their officers.
However, the court decision was adjourned yesterday and security was still on alert to ensure no unrest was taking place and properties were not destroyed like in Southern Highlands recently.
Mondia commended the people of Chimbu for their cooperation to make sure peace was maintained.
He also thanked the joint operation of the police in Western Highlands, Jiwaka and Chimbu.
“After all business is peaceful, I take this time to thank the people of Chimbu and the police force, especially mobile 6, Jiwaka police and Chimbu police for their efforts,’ Mondia said. Turi said that this combined operation in the eastern end would continue as they will need the support from each other.
Turi said police were out in full force and that would make sure business houses and public properties would be safe.
“I’m appealing to the people to cooperate and protect business houses as these are the vital services that will take care of them and their children in future,” Turi said.