Students victims of political games

ALLOW me to air my views on the demise of teaching and learning activities at the University Papua New Guinea (UPNG), the consequences of the decision made and inaction by the relevant authorities.
It really saddens me as I put ink on paper to express my thoughts as a concerned parent who expects my child to complete studies this year and move on in life for a better future.
That dream of my child had been jeopardised by the people in trust and authority.
Our students have been traumatised since the events that unfolded on June 8 with the shooting by police.
The very people who were supposed to provide protection turned on the defenseless and harmless students, what an unfortunate situation.
As I sit down to think about what went wrong on this important issue the students were pursuing on behalf of the illiterate silent majority, and try to absorb the issue into my little mind, a few questions pops up.
Did the students exactly know why they initially took up the fight upfront? Are these students not Papua New Guineans?
If they are Papua New Guineans, the bad decisions made by people in authority today won’t affect them in the future? Let the true Papua New Guinean digest these few questions, analyse them and see where one stands on the whole issue.
The corrective measures were not seriously taken by those in authority such as stakeholder reconciliation and student counseling.
Unfortunately, this led to a sudden, unplanned, and ill-advised decisions made by the top management of the university.
Although, the issue was with the students and the Government, particularly Prime Minister, the UPNG management took a back step which made students quite exposed and fragile elements.
It is sad to say this, but this was the case and here we’ve the ripple effects which all stakeholders are faced with.
In yesterday’s daily newspapers (02/08/16), the newly appointed Minister for Higher Education and the Prime Minister want the academic year to  resume.
This may sound good news for some parents and students, but it’ll be another failed strategy to salvage the academic year.
When the academic staff and students are not in perfect mood psychologically, what best outcome will that be if the Government is desperate to salvage the study programme this year as recently being communicated through mainstream and social media?
As one analyses these issues and relate to the economic condition and the outstanding allegation about the Prime Minister, it is obvious the students fought for a good cause.
It is now evident that the whole issue was politicised and eventually the poor students have to suffer the consequences.
The Prime Minister and UPNG management should shoulder the blame instead of devising a cover-up strategy.
Finally, my child would rather start fresh next year 2017 than is now proposed to commence next month (September).

Concerned Parent , via email