Appeal to remove roadblocks

PORT MORESBY – Papua New Guinea’s Police Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki has appealed to Hanuabada villagers to remove the roadblocks which are affected the city’s power and fuel supplies.

Vaki visited the village, urging the people to move the roadblock away from the main road into the village to give access to the business activities using that Badihagwa bypass corridor.

“Police investigations have commenced and your concerns have been heard by the relevant authorities. I will make sure that those responsible will face the full force of the law,” he told the large crowd at a meeting.

Replying to this appeal, villager and PNG Defence Force Colonel Vagi Oala advised the volunteers manning the roadblocks that a new strategy could be adopted.

He suggested that they could be selective on who they let through the roadblocks and only to specific destinations while maintaining the main roadblock.

“We have made our stand and the city and country have felt the pinch of our soft power, without violence, but it’s time to soften the screws but still stand strong.”

Supporting the use of soft power, he said that educated decision must be made according to understanding, knowledge and wisdom.

“My people must be heard and their wishes acted upon,” Colonel Oala said.

The Police Commissioner also told the villagers he did not support their plans to stage a protest march, adding that such protests always lead to more problems where innocent people could be hurt and properties and businesses lost.

The village leaders and members of an organisation initiated on social networks by Motu Koitabu people – “The Way Forward” – have put together a petition and were aiming for 10,000-plus signatures before presenting it to the government on Friday.