Concerned parents who have their children studying at various universities in Papua New Guinea (PNG)have called on the responsible bodies to send the students home immediately.
This came after four people were killed when police shot at protesting university students in Papua New Guinea’s capital Port Moresbyon Wednesday.
“We want the government and the authorities responsible to send our student home as soon as possible.
“We understand that, this is an issue between the national students (PNG) and not the international students, therefore for the safety and security of our children, we need them to come home now.
“Please, bring our sons and daughters home,” one worrying mother told the Sunday Star by phone.
“The place is not safe for our students now, they have to come home.
“Can the government do something now? Our children must be sent home the sooner the better,” other concerned parents said.
Reports reaching the Solomon Star said that, students are being treated for injuries received when police fired upon the crowd, and rioting and looting have since been reported across the capital.
The students were trying to march to the national Parliament to continue their long-running protest against Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
But police stopped their march and began shooting into the crowd, according to students at the scene.
Witnesses said officers then began attacking protesters, punching and kicking them.
Meanwhile, the government says it is closing monitoring the situation and at this stage, there are no plans to bring the students home.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
