A circulated message on social media about a mass protest march tomorrow following several government departments’ announcement to reject services to unvaccinated citizens has been deemed as unlawful.
NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Gideon Ikumu told this newsroom that all public gathering plans must go through the proper channel however this has not been the case for the supposed mass protest march.
“It is a concern the people have and want to express but at the same time, we have to be mindful of the opportunity this might create for looters,” Mr Ikumu said.
“I have sent police officers out to identify individuals who are planning this and if they do identify them, then we will speak with the leaders so that they come through the proper channel to get permission to protest.”
Met Supt Ikumu further stated that the police hierarchy has also liaised with the PNGDF hierarchy who established that military personnel’s’ participation in the protest will be against their code of conduct.
The circulated message stated that PNGDF will be leading the protest following the passing away of a serviceman after being vaccinated against COVID19 and that the protest will be carried out throughout the city.