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Old 15th June 2018, 12:52 PM
Greg Hyde Greg Hyde is offline
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Default Protesters in PNG's Mendi torch plane, shut airport

Protesters in PNG's Mendi torch plane, shut airport

Protesters in the Papua New Guinea southern Highlands town of Mendi have torched a plane and closed the airport.

The destroyed Air Nuigini Dash 8 at Mendi Airport

Earlier the local police station commander Gideon Kauke had said police were guarding the aircraft to ensure there was no further damage after its tyres had been flattened.

But he said his team of about ten police couldn't contain a mob of uncountable numbers, particularly after missiles were thrown, forcing them to retreat; "we were guarding the plane but compared to them we were outnumbered and they came in all directions, all corners. Missiles were thrown, bush knives were thrown."

Mr Kauke said some of the protestors, who continue to behave menacingly in Mendi as their numbers build up, were carrying guns.

He said the protest was in response to a court ruling in Waigani confirming the election of the Southern Highlands governor William Powi.

Governor Powi's success in last year's election had been challenged by Joseph Kobol and Bernard Peter Kaku.

He said the protestors alleged there was foul play in the court decision

https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pacif...e-shut-airport
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