By Delly Waigeno – EM TV News, Port Moresby
The first meeting of the National Security Advisory Committee was held this morning to deliberate on the situation that unfolded yesterday at the University of Papua New Guinea.
The Advisory Committee’s role is to advise the National Security Council, whose chairman is the Prime Minister.
In a media conference following that meeting, Chief Secretary to Government, Isaac Lupari, said the Committee was given full update by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Papua New Guinea, Professor Albert Mellam, and the Police Commissioner, Gary Baki.
Mr Lupari said the NEC has directed an establishment of a Commission of Inquiry, which willl be announced soon, once Terms of Reference has been set and decision made on who will conduct the investigating.
The Inquiry will investigate the conduct of the SRC President and members, Students, the UPNG Administration, the Police, Unions, National Leaders and the Media.
Mr Lupari said the key issue was getting the university students back to school and protecting their right to education.
He was told by Vice Chancellor Mellam that the boycott of classes was illegal from day one and the conduct of protesting students’ affected the liberty of others who wished to continue studies.
Commissioner Baki said that situations that arose in other parts of the country were in direct response to what was being posted and shared on social media.
Secretary for the Department of Personnel Management, John Kali, said any Public Service Union Member involved in inciting public servants to support the protesting students will be disciplined.
Secretary for Department of Foreign Affairs, William Dhim, said it will deal with any foreign news agencies and governments that reported recklessly on the situation that happened yesterday.
Mr Lupari also said investigations will find out who is providing funding for some of the activities of the protest.
