by Quinton Alomp – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Concerns over the increasing crime rate and lawlessness in Madang province has grabbed the attention of Madang students attending University of Papua New Guinea.
The students organised a forum raising concerns for a competent provincial police commander (PPC) among others. They demanded cooperation among all six MPs (Nixon Duban, Ken Fairweather, James Gau, Tommy Tomscoll and Anton Yagama) and the Governor, Jim Kas.
The Madang community in Port Moresby supported the students, demanding their local MP’s and the Governor to work hard to improve the situation.
The province has been on the spotlight for all the bad reasons. Social and mainstream media have reported cases of ethnic clashes, armed robberies, rape, murder and bag snatching.
Madang students Association President, Germain Ruigi, said they will not accept their provincial town to fall into the hands of thugs, robbers and rapists.
“I appeal to Madang students in other institutions to support us regain the pride of our province,” Ruigi said.
The students outlined that they want a Jim Namora to be the PPC of the province. When asked why, they said they believe his leadership in the force can help the situation.
The students also want the internally displaced Manam Islanders to be permanently resettled.
During the October sitting of Parliament, they plan to organise a peaceful protest to demand the government to pass the Manam Restoration Authority (MRA) bill.
Henry Konaka, a concern Manam islander said the government have to consider their plight after neglecting them for ten years in care centres.
Speaking during the forum, Naus Kamal said they are willing to work with local leaders and parliamentarians to address the issue.
