In response to the series of deaths resulting from last Thursday’s protest, Assistant Commissioner Peter Guinness of the Northern Command is delivering a strong warning to residents and opportunists contemplating further demonstrations.
Guinness revealed that the police have received intelligence about a planned protest by relatives of those who lost their lives during Thursday’s incident.
He emphasized that the police will not tolerate any form of protest and strongly discouraged individuals from participating in such activities.
To maintain order and prevent potential unrest, all police personnel have been strategically stationed in key locations in and around the city, including major bus stops at Eriku, top town, and main market areas.
Guinness stressed the importance of discouraging large crowds from congregating at any one location and urged people to return home by 3 pm.
The ACP for Northern Command also appealed to residents, asking them to discourage community members, including children, from participating in any form of protest or spreading rumours within the community.
Meanwhile, the Northern commander disclosed that two police officers in Morobe province were among the casualties from last Thursday’s incident.
In Goroka, three men were shot dead, and an additional 23 looters were shot and subsequently taken to Goroka General Hospital for treatment.
Reports from Madang indicate one death at Walium station following the Thursday looting.
According to the police, the deceased was part of a group attempting to hold up Yellow Mart when he was shot.
To address potential threats from deceased relatives, Lae’s Mobile Squad 13 is maintaining a police presence at Walium station while also providing security measures to minimize potential risks.
The situation remains tense as authorities work to prevent further escalation.
The Assistant Commissioner’s stern warning underscores the gravity of the circumstances and the imperative for residents to prioritize peace and order in their communities.