Acting Assistant Commissioner (ACP) Highlands Eastern, Clement Dalla praised the Simbu Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Mazuc Rubiang’s swift response to an unsanctioned protest by students of Kondiu Rosary High School.
ACP Dalla stated this in a statement on Friday 21st March 2025.
According to ACP Dalla, students of Kondiu Rosary High School extended their petition to the Provincial Education Authority for immediate removal of their school principal, following a peaceful yet captivating march from school grounds to the Kundiawa Provincial Education Office (KPEO) in the morning of Wednesday 19th March.
The students were escorted to the KPEO following the swift arrival of local Kundiawa Police under the command of PPC Rubiang.
The students were then escorted back peacefully after successfully delivering their petition without any extra-ordinary activity along their path.
Acknowledging the dangerous outcomes from opportunists during protests, ACP Dalla emphasized the prompt police intervention during the protest, prevented escalation from opportunists.
He stressed that proper protest procedure of 14 days’ notice approval to authorities allows adequate time for authorities to aid in coordinating security for public safety.
“We have learnt and know how protests often lead to bigger scale of criminal activities caused by opportunists taking advantage of the situation.”
“That is the main reason why all planned protests are required to give enough time, including 14 days’ Notice, to the local authorities and the police for proper security assessment before an approval is obtained.”
ACP Dalla noted it was an unprecedented event in Simbu Province and commended PPC Rubiang for his leadership and decisive efforts during the student protest.
He emphasized that such incidents should not occur again in the future.
Furthermore, ACP Dalla urged authorities to promptly investigate the situation and make informed decisions for the school and its students.
He emphasized the role of Boards of Governors in schools as essential for addressing administrative issues and ensuring effective oversight.
ACP Dalla said such a situation must be addressed quickly by relevant parties concerned with a strong message to all the teachers, students, parents that this must not be repeated in the future as it may be detrimental to the future of their children’s education prospects.