Students at the Papua New Guinea University of Goroka have banded together to express grave concerns over their safety and well-being in the face of ongoing attacks by the surrounding community.
In a peaceful protest staged last Thursday, the students raised a unified voice, highlighting the persistent threats posed by locals each year.
They presented a petition to Eastern Highlands provincial member Simon Sia, Goroka MP Aiye Tambua, provincial police commander Chief Superintendent Michael Welly, and community leaders, urging immediate intervention.
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| University of Goroka Students Demand Action for Safety Amid Community Attacks [Photo by Kbase/fb] |
During the orchestrated protest, students held aloft placards and banners, passionately chanting for their rights and safety as they marched across the university campus.
Joshua Sua, a prominent student leader, emphasized the pressing need for addressing various issues to restore order and safety in the provincial capital.
The petition underscored two critical agendas: a demand for increased police presence in Goroka town and a collaborative effort between community leaders, university management, and law enforcement to ensure student safety.
Sua stated, "We petition the Eastern Highlands provincial government to deploy additional police personnel in Goroka town."
The students' collective action was prompted by a recent incident where a third-year male student was brutally attacked and injured by individuals from the nearby community. Three other students also sustained injuries in the altercation, which resulted in damage to their personal belongings.
Amidst the disruption to their studies caused by such incidents, the protest serves as a platform to emphasize the urgent need for addressing student safety and welfare concerns.
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