The University of Goroka at Eastern Highlands province has been thrust into chaos after violent clashes erupted between students and local community members, leaving over 30 students injured, several critically.
The conflict, which began as an altercation between the students and the locals that turned into an eight-hour fight starting this morning.
Student Representative Council President Justin Muna who spoke to PNG HAUSBUNG, said that the incident was sparked last night when a non-residential student, attending a function hosted by a particular student association, was reportedly attacked by drunk locals while making his way to the event.
The victim alerted fellow students who rushed to his aid, initiating a major confrontation with locals living near the Ato Market area.
During this initial fight, students reportedly retaliated by destroying some local properties.
The situation dramatically worsened this morning as locals regrouped and launched a large-scale retaliatory attack.
The group headed straight for the campus, attacking students with various objects, including bows and arrows.
The fighting continued for eight hours before police arrived to intervene, eventually deploying tear gas to disperse the crowds and restore order.
“At this moment, we are able to confirm that over thirty students sustained injuries, including ten who suffered serious injuries and about five to six students who are in critical condition. They are currently receiving treatment at Goroka General Hospital.”
Muna also confirmed that there are no deaths reported at this time.
“The situation on campus remains extremely tense at this time as students, many of whom are scattered and living in fear, are awaiting further direction.”
Muna also stated that the violence has had an immediate and severe impact on academic life.
“The university is currently in its second week of exams, which are now badly affected and will have to be postponed indefinitely.”
Students are awaiting an official statement and decision from the university administration regarding the future of the academic term under these strained circumstances.
Meanwhile, the University's Vice Chancellor Dr. Teng Waninga is currently Kavieng, New Ireland province and is expected to return to the campus tomorrow to attend to the situation.
Also, PNG HAUSBUNG was unable to get any updates from police on the situation after numerous calls made to the police high command in Goroka went unanswered.
