Tondop warns people not to stop services

 JIWAKANS are warned not to disturb or stop government services and developments delivered by MPs and Governor Dr William Tongamp.

Provincial police commander Chief Supt Joseph Tondop said that while arresting a man in Nondugl for stopping PNG Power from erecting power poles on State land.

Tondop said that PNG Power was implementing North Waghi MP and Defence Minister Dr Fabian Pok’s rural electrification programme.

He said that last Wednesday, when employees of PNG Power were putting up a pole in Nondugl, a man came, threatened them and told them to stop.

He said Jiwaka police responded and arrested the man and charged him with threatening and locked him up.

He said the next day, the brother of the man saw a younger brother of the councillor who was leading PNG Power’s work,  and chopped his right arm.

Tondop said police arrested and charged him with unlawful wounding.

He said last Friday, the tribesmen of the injured man and a councillor burnt down five houses and destroyed food gardens and other properties belonging to the two men in police custody and their clansmen.

Tondop said police calmed down the situation and PNG Power continued their work.

“My warning to the people is, don’t stop services, services and development are important to the people to improve their quality of life.”

He said whoever stopped any government service would face the full force of law.