by Sylvester Gawi – EM TV, Mt Hagen
The administration of Hagen Park Secondary in Mt Hagen has expressed disappointment over the police attack on students yesterday.
One student was shot at the fire scene and examinations were delayed for up to 10minutes yesterday when police officers stormed the school ground.
The situation remains tense as authorities work to bring back normalcy.
Other schools have remained closed since yesterday in fear of possible reprisals from relatives of those shot.
The school’s administration has compiled a report which will be presented to relevant authorities, including Highlands Regional Police CommanderTeddy Tei.
They said the grade 12 History exam was delayed for about 10 minutes when armed policemen stormed into school grounds andfired tear gas into several classrooms, forcing students to flee for safety.
The examinations were completed this afternoon; however, the administration is still concerned about the safety of their students.
Teachers and parents were upset with the riot between police and the public, but are continuing to provide assistance to police and other authorities.
Acting provincial police commander for Western Highlands, Jacob Kamiak, told EM TV that he was on the scene during the riot and students’ reactions may have led to police taking action against them.
