Mendi

Public weapons display shocks nation of PNG

Social media itself was bombarded with all sorts of comments against the events that transpired, including the burning of Air Niugini’s subsidiary, Link PNG Services Dash 8 aircraft.

The Government, in response, declared an extension of the State of Emergency, approving K6 million funding and a call out for PNG Defence Force soldiers.

The NEC than made a pre-emptive decision to suspend the Southern Highlands Provincial Government.

PNG to declare state of emergency over Highlands unrest

During yesterday's unrest a commercial plane was destroyed, and the local courthouse and the residence of the provincial governor William Powi were burnt.

Local authorities say no one was injured when a Air Niugini Dash-8 aircraft was set on fire and destroyed on the airstrip at Mendi airport. The situation in the town is tense, the provincial capital having gone into lockdown overnight.

According to police, it was yesterday's national court ruling upholding Mr Powi's 2017 election which sparked the rampage.

Unitech student’s 'haus krai' comes to an end in Mendi

The event at Wakwak, at the outskirts of Southern Highlands' capital Mendi, was marked with speeches by relatives of the late Graham as well as community and government representatives.

In recent weeks, various leaders from the province have turned up in numbers to give their share of money, livestock and foodstuff to the deceased’s family, relatives and tribe.

Last Saturday, the relatives received K30,000 in cash and 25 pigs, prices ranging from K5,000 to K15,000, from the people and leaders of Imbonggu district.