People in Lae took to the streets of Eriku on Friday morning to protest against the Covid-19 Measures in the province such as the “No Jab No Job” policy being implemented by certain companies and the mandatory wearing of masks.
The protest was an illegal one as the police were not notified and no permission was given for this protest.
“We had heard about the protest so we had our men set up in different locations leading into town so we could control the crowd,” said Lae Metropolitan Suprintendent Commander, Chief Suprintendent Chris Kunyanban.
Met Sup Kunyanban said that the crowds mobilised at the shopping centre at Eriku and tried to march up to town but the police had stopped them and spoke to them to call off the protest.
The crowd however was a little rowdy, resulting in a police vehicle being stoned and 2 other public vehicles also receiving minor damages from stones thrown by people in the crowd.
Chief Suprintendent Kunyanban said that they managed to get the crowd under control and send them home by midday.
He added that neither the police nor the crowd protesting received any injuries or any collateral damage to the business houses and shops from Eriku to Town as well as the market area.
Met Sup Kunyanban further added that there are proper procedures that the people must follow if they want to stage a protest.
“They must write to the police seeking permission so the police can make sure that their protest marches go smoothly and peacefully.”
He said that if they cannot give approval for a particular protest march, then they can find other avenues to help them air their grievances and views.