By Michelle A Steven
Copyright postcourier
Independence celebration in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province, was celebrated peacefully, according to the Western Highlands Province Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Sagom.
PPC Sagom said that the manpower and support provided by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Police in Mt Hagen and the Papua New Guinea Defense Force saw the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations in Mt Hagen at the Queens Park a success, with the thousands who gathered to celebrate.
Mr Sagom said that preparations started off with the Traffic and Highway Patrol Police men and women together with the Western Highlands Traffic Registry, conducting several road blocks to maintain traffic operations in the city.
“The operations conducted by this team also led to a successful and peaceful Independence Week and celebrations.”
“We also had celebrations in the districts and sub-districts, which saw police presence there also,” said PPC Sagom.
The PPC also commends the people of Western Highlands Province for celebrating the day with unity, respect and maintaining peace.
The celebration of the 50th Jubilee Anniversary began on the 15th and 16th of September, where 450 police men and women and 60 PNGDF from Moem Barracks in Wewak, including 30 PNGDF from Wabag, under the command of Major Cairns, also patrolled the city of Mt Hagen to make sure no illegal activities were conducted during the celebrations.
“We had a total of 500 plus troops on the ground. I would like to commend all my police personnel who took part in the independence celebrations, as well as the PNGDF personnel.”
“With that kind of manpower moving around in the city, it gave the confidence in the local citizens and tourists who came in to enjoy and celebrate the country’s 50th Jubilee Anniversary with style,” said the PPC.
Mr Sagom said that people were able to move around freely.
The PPC added that there was also a combined parade with the police and defense force that coincided with the independence celebrations.
“This is a testament of a good and vibrant partnership we have with our stakeholders, including the political leaders and business houses in the province.”
