Source:
By JASON GIMA WURI
SRC president Rainbo Piari issued the warning during a forum yesterday in view of the current political situation in Port Moresby.
“As intellectuals, we will not take part in any protest march.”
There were rumours yesterday of students from UPNG joining a protest march organised by non-governmental and civil society organisations to parliament.
However, this did not eventuate following a public ban on demonstrations by police.
“There was no formal agreement with NGOs or civil society groups to join a protest march and, therefore, UPNG will not stage anything of that sort.
“Rather, we have called for a forum so that students can air their views,” Piari said.
“Those students caught trying to instigate something in the manner of a protest march will be dealt with severely by the administration and police,” he warned.
“Over the years, UPNG has been known for holding protest marches every time there are political sagas but, this time, we want to take a more intellectual approach.
“We are not politicians but, as leaders of tomorrow, we call for a change in power and in direction because we have that right to exercise our freedom of speech,” Piari said.
“We want a change for the better, because we have had enough of corruption in parliament,” he added.
Classes were suspended for the day as students gathered at the forum square to air their views.
Uni-force security personnel were also deployed around campus to maintain peace and order.
National Newspaper 21 July 2010
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