Six months have passed and it looks like the State is sweeping the issue under the carpet.
Students from the University of Papua New Guinea’s Medical Faculty are disappointed with the state’s long delay in responding to their claims regarding the rampage between the students and soldiers from the PNG Defence Force last year.
The governments promised to respond in twenty four hours during a peaceful protest staged by the students last July, however, the students are still waiting.
The State’s slow response has forced the schools administration to use its own money to carry out maintenance on the damaged facilities. Room shortage still remains a concern and many students are most likely to miss out on accommodation this year.
One student told EMTV that he is still traumatized by the rampage, and does not know if the government will ever compensate the students and the administration. He said the students lost laptops, printers, text books and refrigerators.
In a newspaper report, Dickson Olape, who is the student leader and chairman for the Damage Assessment Committee, a committee set up by the students to address this issue, said he is being put under pressure by continuing students to get the government to respond to their pleas.
He also called on respective agencies to fast track investigations into the matter and ensure that those responsible including the students, face the full force of the law.
Meanwhile, classes for students studying under the School of Medicine commenced last week while registration for those taking Health Sciences will begin on February 3rd
Attempts to reach the Prime Minister’s Department and the Defence Force Headquarters for comments were unsuccessful.
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