Yakasa asks Kulunga to reinstate officers

By JUNIOR UKAHA
THE Sir Michael Somare-appointed acting commissioner of police Fred Yakasa has written to Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga, asking him to reinstate officers under his (Yakasa’s) command to their substantive positions.
In his letter, dated Jan 13, 2012, Yakasa said: “I have decided that the policemen who are siding with me be redeployed to the NCD command.
The issues that created a perceived division between us are not of our making or the making of anyone from the rank and file.”
During the start of the political stand-off after Dec 12, 45 officers from the city’s Armed Robbery Response Unit (ARRU) and other officers, numbering about 150, sided with Chief Supt Yakasa and acknowledged Sir Michael as the legitimate prime minister.
Yakasa said his men had decamped last Friday.
“What is before the court is a matter for the court to decide,” he said.
“I just want my men to resume duties.”
It is understood Yakasa and his men were operating without logistical and financial support from the police headquarters since his appointment as acting commissioner by the Somare cabinet.
Yakasa said he would not be deployed by Kulunga to any other location in the country and would remain where he was.
He said he would like to meet Kulunga and discuss the reinstatement of his men and his position in the constabulary.
Yakasa said his officers were unattached but were covered under the court order and were receiving full pay, with the exception of one or two officers. 
He said his officers needed to return to work because, since their disbandment, criminal activities had surged and public safety was a cause for concern.