The Acting Minister for Education Hon Kinoka Feo has strongly condemned the outbreak of violence and suspected arson that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, June 11 at Paglum Adventist Secondary School in the Mul-Baiyer District of Western Highlands Province.
He said the school has been performing very well in examinations in recent years and its very regretful to see the actions of few affecting the education of the majority.
Reports stated that the incident,escalated after a student allegedly set fire to aboys’ dormitory,resulted in a violent confrontation between student factions.Two students suffered critical injuries and remain hospitalised at the Mt Hagen General Hospital.
“Violence and criminal behaviour have absolutely no place in our institutions of learning.Schools must remain safe sanctuaries for academic excellence and personal growth.Turning a school environment into a conflict zone is entirely Unacceptable.’
The Minister commends the swift action taken by the Provincial Police Commander,Chief Superintendent John Sagom,and the school’s teachers and students whose timely intervention saved the building from destruction and ensured the successful evacuation of the student body.
Following the incident,the Department of Education has confirmed these immediate measures, Indefinite Suspension of Classes, as the school was nearing the end of the term,classes at Paglum Secondary School have been suspended indefinitely, and the school has closed early to ensure student safety.
Police Investigation, as one suspect believed to have instigated the incident hasbeen apprehended and is currently locked away at the Mt Hagen Police cell block.
The Department demands a thorough investigation so that all individuals responsible face the full force of the law.
And addressing Regionalism, acknowledging that Paglum Secondary draws students from across the Highlands and coastal regions,the Minister reiterates that regionalism and factional infighting will not be tolerated.
Minister Feo also acknowledges the leadership and support of Western Highlands Province Governor Wai Rapa and Mul-Baiyer MP Jacob Maki,who addressed the
evacuated students at Queens Park.We welcome MP Maki’s commitment to take care of the damages done to the school infrastructure.
We reaffirm the sentiments of Governor Rapa that parents send their children to school to get an education and secure a bright future,not to engage in violence.
Minister Feo further urges the local community to maintain peace,respect the school staff,and allow the law to take its course.
Further directives regarding the resumption of classes and student disciplinary inquiries will be issued by the Department in consultation with the school inspectors, the school administration and provincial education authorities.