The Highlands Eastern Division Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police [ACP] Rigga Neggi has dispelled rumours of escalated violence in Chimbu Province following the death of former Chuave MP Wera Mori stating that those circulating these reports should not assume but rather look for facts when presented with sensitive information.
The ACP told PNG HAUSBUNG that the Office of the Eastern Division has yet to receive reports of an escalation in the province calling for people to get their facts right before assuming or taking to social media to vent.
“There was a building that was burnt down due in the area but apart from that everything is ok.”
This is in relation to an altercation between supporters of the former MP and other in the district who blocked off a road in the province following the former MP’s death, to which the Police addressed last week.
He added if there were any further altercations that had occurred following the incident on Tuesday then they would have already heard of this by now.
ACP Neggi reiterated that this is the work of people who have their own agenda’s and are spreading rumours for their own personal gain.
Meanwhile, the ACP has called on people in the command to enjoy the festive period responsibly, making sure to observe the festivities in good spirits and to not use the celebrations as an opportunity to cause harm to anyone.
He advised that it is a well-known fact that people tend to consume alcohol to the point of abuse and has asked the communities in the command to have respect for each other, especially when under the influence of alcohol.
“Sometimes people use alcohol as an excuse to create problems which they only come to realize when they are sober, so people need to be mindful of what they consume and how much they consume during this time.”
He further stated that this is the time where people are looking forward to spending with family and in that spirit will be travelling back to their homes to celebrate and calls for all to play their part in keeping the celebrations free from violence.