The President of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) has called for peace and calm on campus following a fight between groups of students from the Western Highlands and Enga provinces.

In a statement released on the 27th of September, the SRC President said the fight broke out over the weekend on campus, with preliminary reports indicating the dispute started off campus before spilling into residential halls and common areas. Several students from both sides suffered severe injuries and are receiving medical treatment, the President confirmed.

The SRC President said his immediate priority is to urge student leaders from both sides to identify any other injured students and get medical help right away. He appealed to all UPNG students to reject physical violence and regional division on campus.

"To all UPNG students, we’re future leaders of our beautiful nation — Papua New Guinea, I respectfully urge us to not allow physical violence and regional division like this on our campus," the President said.

He warned that such fights not only damage the university's reputation but also risk students' lives, put the academic year at risk as final examinations approach, destroy future job prospects, chase away sponsors and partners, and lower the value of UPNG degrees.

The SRC remains neutral and is working alongside UNIFORCE (campus security), student leaders and the University Administration to maintain safety and restore calm. The President commended the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (NCD Police) for stepping in quickly to handle the situation.

He made a direct appeal to student leaders and students of both Western Highlands and Enga to stand together and end all retaliation.

"Let us step forward together and settle this peacefully," he said.

The President also asked the general public to stop spreading false information and to avoid taking sides.

"My leaders, let us put our education first, for our country, consider the sacrifices of our sponsors, our families and all of those who believe in us still," he said.